With its unique built-in graphics overlay, the JVC GY-HM200SP has eliminated the need for a separate "scoreboard camera" during productions, which in turn eliminated sync issues that slowed post production
JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, today announced Goffstown TV, a PEG (public, educational, government) operation serving Goffstown, N.H., has significantly increased its coverage of local sports and improved its production workflows with the JVC GY-HM200SP sports production streaming camcorder. With its unique built-in graphics overlay, the camera has eliminated the need for a separate “scoreboard camera” during productions, which in turn eliminated sync issues that slowed post production.
Goffstown TV was able to improve its workflow and more than triple its local coverage of hockey and other sports with the JVC GY-HM200SP sports production streaming camcorder.When Adam McCune, cable coordinator, joined GTV three years ago, he wanted to get the community excited about local programming with increased sports coverage. However, production efforts were hampered by inefficiencies. “Our workflow was cumbersome at best,” he admitted.
Football coverage, for example, required two camcorders – one covering game action with the other locked down on a scoreboard shot – that would have to synced in post and edited. If a Friday night game was replayed by the following Tuesday, that was considered a timely turnaround.
Designed for single-camera coverage of local sports, the GY-HM200SP produces a real-time score overlay on recorded or streamed video output without the use of an external CG or production switcher. Not only does McCune no longer have to sync cameras during the editing process, but he eliminates transcoding by recording in the .MOV native file format.
As a result, GTV’s post process is significantly more efficient. In fact, for one soccer match that ended at 6 p.m. last season, McCune was able to have the game replayed on GTV in less than 45 minutes. “That never would have happened with our old workflow,” he said.
Despite inefficient workflows and limited live broadcast opportunities, GTV was able to produce coverage of nine sports events in Fall 2015. After acquiring its GY-HM200SP, GTV produced coverage of 29 contests during the same timeframe last fall. McCune credits the GY-HM200SP with increasing the station’s sports coverage, so much so that GTV purchased a second camera in December to further expand its production capabilities.
Workflows vary by sport, but football usually requires a four-person volunteer crew that includes a cameraman, two commentators, and a scorekeeper who updates score and clock data manually via an iPad. Before each game, McCune creates custom team overlays using Photoshop and JVC’s SDP Generator software. Footage is recorded to non-proprietary SD cards and returned to GTV’s facilities at Goffstown High School for post.
GTV programs two local channels on Comcast and shares some programming on its YouTube channel. McCune said viewers have noticed the improved production quality, and have favorably compared GTV’s on-screen graphics to what they see on national and regional networks. “They see our graphics at the same level of what they’re used to,” he added, “and that’s a huge thing for public access. I think the graphics are great.”
Beyond its built-in graphics, McCune praised the GY-HM200SP for its control layout and ease of use. In particular, he said the auto setting for the camera’s two XLR inputs have been an important feature to help his volunteer-based crews to produce excellent audio. “I think it’s fantastic,” he said. “We need this to be as simple as possible to operate.”
GTV is looking to test the camera’s built-in streaming functionality, which allows live HD transmission to hardware decoders as well as content delivery networks (CDNs) including YouTube, Facebook Live, and JVC VIDEOCLOUD. The GY-HM200SP also features an integrated 12x zoom lens with optical image stabilizer, multiple 4K, HD, and SD recording modes, integrated handle with hot shoe and dedicated microphone mount, and SDI and HDMI video outputs. Plus, it can work directly with Sportzcast Scorebot hardware integrated with the venue’s scoreboard for automatic scoreboard information updates.
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ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL VIDEO
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Video is a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation. The company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video equipment, as well as D-ILA front projection systems. For more information, visit JVC’s website at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800) 582-5825.