HDV
The compressed audio and video are multiplexed into an MPEG-2 transport stream, which is typically recorded onto magnetic tape, but can also be stored in a computer file.
A common misconception is that JVC developed a proprietary extension to HDV called ProHD, featuring film-like 24-frame/s progressive recording mode and LPCM audio, for professional use.
Interlaced video has been a useful compromise for decades due to its ability to display motion smoothly while reducing recording and transmission bandwidth.
The conversion process involved blending and discarding fields, so vertical resolution of the resulting video suffered.
[14] The same or better film look effect can be achieved by converting regular interlaced video into progressive format using computer software.
[17] Progressive scan video must be properly deinterlaced to achieve full vertical resolution and to avoid interlace artifacts.
Sony stressed out that the models handle the signal entirely in progressive mode all the way from capture to encoding to recording on tape to output.
Since HDV was introduced, tapeless — or file-based — video recording formats such as DVCPRO P2, XDCAM and AVCHD have gained broad acceptance.
The trend towards tapeless workflow was accelerated with increased capacity and reduced cost of non-linear media like hard disk drives (HDD), optical discs and solid-state memory.
[43] After the station was moved to smaller cameras, it became possible for the journalists to travel in compact cars, which were 10 to 15 times cheaper than traditional large ENG vans.
[44] In the TV series JAG made for CBS, handheld HDV camcorders were used for scenes where larger HD cameras would have been impractical.
Producers wishing to use HDV were required to submit an approved postproduction path outlining their handling of the footage in the editing process.
For example, Discovery Channel aired 911: The Bronx, a six-episode reality series set in a hospital and shot with HDV cameras.
[48] The Discovery Channel International used rating system that defines Gold, Silver and Bronze acquisition and delivery levels.
[49] In particular, some users considered Canon HDV camcorders to deliver the best-looking image with the least amount of compression artifacts among the models having 25 Mbit/s MPEG-2 HD codec.
[51] PBS may allow usage of "less than full broadcast quality equipment" if compression artifacts are "not obvious when viewed on an HDTV monitor".
[52] For example, the Art Wolfe's TV series Travels to the Edge was produced for PBS in HDV format using Canon XL-H1 camcorders.
Guiding Light, the longest-running soap opera in production in television and radio history, broke away from traditional three-sided sets and pedestal-style cameras in 2008, choosing the handheld Canon XH-G1 in standard definition mode for shooting on practical locations[58] until the show was canceled in 2009.
Because HDV video is recorded in digital form, original content can be copied onto another tape or captured to a computer for editing without quality degradation.
HDV footage can be natively edited by most non-linear editors, with real-time playback being possible on modern mainstream personal computers.
Slower computers may exhibit reduced performance compared to other formats such as DV because of high resolution and interframe compression of HDV video.
On another hand, an intermediate codec can reduce blockiness and fix other issues in the original video, like interlaced chroma in progressive recordings.
Such tapes are often accepted by local television stations, though many organizations prefer the submissions to be delivered in higher-end format like Digital Betacam, HDCAM or D5 HD.
Both models share the same body and most of the features, with the XH G1 geared towards professional multi-camera production and including connections for HD-SDI/SD-SDI Out, genlock, and time code.
This was the first consumer HDV camcorder that featured progressive shooting modes in addition to native interlaced recording.
Progressive-scan video was recorded within interlaced container to remain compatible with consumer level editing suites.
The body color has been changed from silver to black, the LCD screen has been improved, and the 60 Hz variant implemented PsF-like PF30 mode.
The shoulder mount GY-HD100 camcorder was released in 2005 and featured 3CCD imaging system with native 720p resolution, interchangeable lens and 24 frame/s recording.
[64] The latest HDV camcorder made by Canon — the HV40 — was released in 2009, but it traces back to the HV20 developed in 2007, and was phased out of production during 2011, though stocks have lasted through 2012.
At the same time Sony and Canon have joined Panasonic in marketing of AVCHD recording format, which is claimed to deliver visual quality similar to HDV at half the datarate.
