FA Q Get answers to frequently asked questions about P2 HD, the most advanced solid-state video production format.
General What is P2 HD? P2 HD is a full production quality, high definition recording system that utilizes removable solid state memory cards. This approach eliminates the mechanical wear and environmental limitations of tape, hard disk, and optical disc based systems. P2 HD ensures the highest reliability, especially in challenging conditions of extreme temperature, shock, and vibration.
What sizes of P2 cards are available? P2 Cards have been manufactured in 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities. The current cards offered on the market are 16GB and 32GB in size. What’s the recording capacity of P2 cards? In order to answer the question of how much recording time a P2 Card is capable of, you have to determine two factors: what recording format you will use, and what capacity of P2 Card you’re planning on using. The calculation is quite simple after that.
16GB P2 Card AVC-Intra Storage Totals (minutes per card) AVC-INTRA 100 Frame rates / formats 1080/ 60i/30p* 1080/ 50i/25p* Frame rates / formats 720/60p 720/50p AJ-HPX3000 AJ-HPX2000 AJ-HPM100 16 16 16 16 16 16 AVC-INTRA 50 1080/ 24p* 720/ 24p* 20 20 20 40 40 720/ 25p*/ 30p* 32 32 1080/ 60i/30p* 1080/ 50i/25p* 720/60p 720/50P 32 32 32 32 32 32 1080/ 24p* 40 40 40 720/ 24p* 720/ 25p*/ 30p* 80 80 64 64 * AVC-Intra Progressive frame rates (24/25/30) do not record pull down ** AJ-HPM100
What is the future path for P2 card sizes? And will those future sizes be compatible with the camera I purchased? The P2 Roadmap (first introduced in 2004) calls for P2 Cards to grow in capacity to 128GB sizes by 2009. With the introduction of a 32GB P2 card in 2007, Panasonic is on track to fulfill this roadmap.
In addition, leading software development companies like Imagine Products offer programs like P2 Log Pro or HD Log for purchase, and a user can also utilize his NLE browser for the same functionality. How do I get the video to play from the hard drive so I can review the material or copy to a videotape? You can use your P2-compliant NLE system or when not using an NLE system, Panasonic’s P2CMS software includes a free viewing application for both the Macintosh and Windows systems.
What Nonlinear editing systems support AVC-Intra? Apple Final Cut Pro 6.0.2 and EDIUS Broadcast 4.6 support AVC-Intra. Other NLE editing and server companies have announced future support. When I view thumbnail clips from my P2 card, I often see a letter, color or punctuation mark such as an exclamation point.
need a self-powered hard disk. USB Host Mode provides even more capability. With USB Host Mode, the P2 HD camcorders (HPX2000 or HPX3000) or Field Recorder can supply Bus Power to power the hard disk. You can copy up to 23 Cards onto the hard drive, assign individual names, partition the drive and review thumbnails. Does P2 HD support proxies? Yes, the P2 HD system supports the creation and management of proxy files in three bit rates -- 192Kbps, 768 kbps or 1.5 Mbps can be selected.
Do all lenses support CAC? No, CAC has to be specifically added to each particular lens. Canon and Fujinon each provide a family of CAC lenses, and you can expect that the number of lenses offered in CAC versions will grow. A list of available CAC lenses can be viewed at https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/cs/csregistp2m/ep2main/ cac_note_e.
If you absolutely have to have audio recorded while recording off-speed frame rates, you can switch to the 720/24P mode (instead of the 720/24PN mode) to record that footage. 720/24P mode will always record sound regardless of your frame rate. However, to access the slow-motion or fast-motion footage, you would have to process your 720/24P mode footage through a Frame Rate Converter or software utility.
