Panasonic Intros AW-HE2 PTZ HD Monitoring, Communications, and Production Camera

Panasonic has announced the AW-HE2, a cost-effective HD camera with a non-mechanical, electronic pan/tilt/zoom. Small and unobtrusive, the HE2 is ideal for remote monitoring in athletics, conference rooms, reality show production, and in classrooms for lecture capture and distance learning. With no moving parts, the HE2 should excel in difficult or demanding settings, such as auto sports and active classrooms.

The HE2 will be available in December at a suggested list price of $995.00.

Featuring a sleek, compact design and versatile HDMI output, the HE2 combines production-level image quality, smooth digital pan/tilt/zoom operation, IP control, and easy system integration for versatile HD/SD video communications. The camera utilizes a full HD MOS sensor and Panasonic’s revolutionary Super Resolution digital signal processing to deliver high quality PTZ video with no moving parts. Horizontal resolution is a high 850 TV lines and minimum illumination is 20 lux.

The HE2 incorporates a highly-accurate, all-digital pan-tilt function that offers precise, fast, fluid movement in all directions. A very wide horizontal field of view of 95 degrees makes it possible to capture all the action, even in small or awkwardly-shaped environments. Video output formats via HDMI include 1080/60p/50p/59.94i/50i/30p/25p and 720/60p/50p, with stereo audio. For live remote preview and control, the HE2 delivers IP-preview MJPEG video embedded in the camera’s Browser control page, at resolutions up to 640x480 and frame rates of up to 30fps.

The HE2 supports IR and both direct and Browser-based IP remote control. Direct IP control is possible using Panasonic’s AW-RP50N, as well as appropriately programmed systems from Crestron, AMX and other manufacturers. Browser-based control includes remote IP-video live preview to facilitate remote setup and operation. IR remote control is achieved through the use of the AW-RM50G handheld wireless infrared remote control.

Other standard features include Picture-in-Picture functionality (simultaneous zoomed and wide-angle picture), nine pre-set memories, adjustable shutter speeds up to 1/12,000 sec., Auto Gain, back light compensation, and a stereo microphone. The HE2 weighs less than 9 ounces, and is less than 6 inches long with a diameter of about two inches. The camera includes a small AC supply, and has DC/USB power connectors for system applications. The HE2 includes an adjustable base for mounting on desktops, ceiling or walls, and also incorporates a ¼-20 mounting thread for use with tripods and other camera support systems.

For more information about Panasonic remote HD cameras and other professional video products, visit http://www.panasonic.com/broadcast.