CASE STUDY

GTV6 Relies on FS-100 for Cost-Effective HD Production


Challenge

When Tor Johansen, Broadcast Manager for the five-time Emmy award-winning Glendale TV (GTV6), looked to expand into HD capabilities, he quickly identified Panasonic’s handheld HD AG-HVX200 camera as an ideal fit. However, he wanted an alternative solution to Panasonic’s P2 memory cards. “I looked into the price and storage capacity of the P2 cards, and knew I needed a lot more storage than what I could afford through P2,” he explained. And considering the long format documentary work GTV6 typically covers, such as oral histories, performances, and cultural events, often required extended recording times, storage capacity was a critical issue.
 

Solution

Looking for a cost-effective high definition recording solution for his AG-HVX200 camera, Tor turned to Focus Enhancements’ FS-100 Direct To Edit® Recorder. Designed to work seamlessly with the Panasonic AG-HVX200 P2 camera, the FS-100 enables users to record DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO 50, and DVCPRO/DV streams to disk via FireWire. The FS-100 comes standard with a 100 GB hard drive that provides 1.5 hours of DVCPRO HD recording time—at a price that’s far less than purchasing a couple of P2 cards.
 
“I was looking at what I could afford. Two 16 P2 cards turned out to be about the same cost as the FS-100 with 100 GB capacity. When I saw that, there was really no question as to which way to go,” Tor explained.
 
Weighing only one pound, the FS-100 is well-suited for field applications. And Tor often finds himself using its convenient size and FireWire connection to transfer media files. “A lot of times my work goes home and my home goes to work,” he said. “I’ve actually used the FS-100 to transfer entire Final Cut Pro projects with DVCPRO HD footage and uncompressed graphics back and forth. It’s 100 GB I can just throw in my pocket.”
 

Results

“With the FS-100, I’m able to take full advantage of the AG-HVX200,” said Tor. “I can shoot in HD without having to deal with high definition tape or make a huge investment in new decks that are high definition capable.”
 

And the Focus FS-100’s 100 GB hard drive gives Tor the storage capacity needed to record his longer events, without worrying about changing P2 cards or DV tapes. “I recently shot a lecture for a client where I needed the ability to shoot for three hours straight without stopping or interrupting the lecture,” he said. “DV tape is a 60 minute load. That’s a big advantage of moving to the FS-100.”




About Glendale TV

GTV6 is the Emmy award-winning government access cable channel for the City of Glendale, California, also streaming online. In addition to live coverage of the City Council and board and commission meetings, GTV6 offers a range of original programs and documentaries.
www.glendale.tv

About Focus Enhancements, Inc.


Innovation, efficiency, and superior quality are the foundation on which Focus Enhancements builds its products. A world leader in advanced video production, digital asset management, and digital signage solutions, Focus delivers products that perform superbly day in and day out, and backs them with unparalleled service and support.



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Focus FS-100 Portable DTE Recorder

Weighing about one pound and only 1.5 inches thick, the Focus FS-100 is an HD recorder designed to work with the new Panasonic AG-HVvX200 P2 camera, supporting DVCPRO HD and DVCPRO 50 QuickTime files for direct import into Final Cut Pro, and DV/DVCPRO recording formats as well. The FS-100 provides long recording times and improves workflow with Direct To Edit® technology. It can also be used with other Panasonic DVCPRO/DVCPRO 50 and DVCPRO HD devices that have a FireWire port.


"With the FS-100, I’m able to take full advantage of the AG-HVX200. I can shoot in HD without having to deal with high definition tape or make a huge investment in new decks that are high definition capable."

Tor Johansen, Broadcast Manager, Glendale TV