HDCAM
®
playback on your desk
With the widespread use of HDCAM camcorders and studio VTRs in the high-definition field and post
production, it was inevitable that producers, journalists and others involved in the program production chain
would be demanding cost-effective HDCAM viewers that can readily be used in production environments.
Sony provides the solution by introducing J-H Series Compact Players in two models - the J-H1 and the J-H3.
Sharing the same design philosophy and physical dimensions of the existing J Series standard-definition
compact players, both the J-H1 and J-H3 are affordable, compact, lightweight and offer the same
low-power-consumption characteristics.
While the J-H1 is ideal for broadcast use and provides HDCAM playback at 59.94i, 50i, 25P, and 29.97P,
the J-H3 is equipped with a number of additional features to support 24P production, and to complement the
CineAlta
TM
Series of VTRs.
Compact Body Design
Sharing the same chassis design of the existing J Series
multi-format compact players for standard-definition
formats, both the J-H1 and J-H3 retain a compact and
lightweight design, equivalent in size to a standard
desktop PC. The J-H1 and J-H3 players are just
12 1/8 x 4 x 15 3/4 inches (307 x 100 x 397 mm) in
size and weigh only 16 lb 9 oz (7.5 kg).
Replay of Both Small and Large Cassettes
Despite their very compact designs, the J-H1 and J-H3 can
playback both large and small size cassettes.
HDCAM Playback Capability
Both the J-H1 and J-H3 have the capability to playback HDCAM
cassettes that are recorded in 1080/59.94i, 50i and
1080/29.97P, 25P formats - primarily used in High Definition
television production applications. The J-H3 has the additional
capability to playback 1080/23.98, 24P formats to address the
movie making industry, and high-end television and commercial
productions.
Flexible Audio Outputs
Both the J-H1 and J-H3 provide two channels of analog
audio output, available either from the XLR connectors or
RCA pin jacks located on the rear panel. A headphone jack
is also provided on the front panel. The audio channels to
be output to the analog outputs and headphone jack can be
selected from Ch 1/2, Ch 3/4, and Cue track. Audio is
automatically muted for off-speed playback and non-data
playback.
Additional Features of J-H3 - Extending
Applications in Post Production
In addition to their common playback capability of 1080
progressive formats, HD-SDI and SD-SDI outputs, the J-H3
offers the following features.
• Reference input (HD/SD switchable)
• RS-422A
• Time code output
• Pull down function to convert 23.98P to 1080/59.94 and
525/59.94i
They can be used horizontally or placed upright with the
supplied vertical stand, allowing operators to locate
players as desired even in space-constrained or awkward
environments.
Down conversion capability built-in
--- Connectivity with SDTV Monitors
Both the J-H1 and J-H3 have a built-in down conversion
capability, offering NTSC or PAL composite video output
from the BNC and RCA output connectors. With this
capability, HDCAM-originated content can be viewed on
both SDTV professional and consumer monitors.
Versatile Output Capability
--- For Cost-Effective and
Flexible Monitoring
Tape Logging System with JZ-1 Software
Combined use of the J-H1 or J-H3 with the JZ-1
Videocassette Logging Software creates an easy-to-use tape
logging system. This is achieved by connecting the J-H1
or J-H3 to a PC* running JZ-1 software via an RS-232C
cable. The JZ-1 software provides an easy-to-use GUI to
create log data of edit in/out points and to add simple
comments to each logged scene. In addtion, a storyboard
function is available to assemble a sequence of logged
scenes into a basic EDL for edit data export.
*An appropriate video capture card must be installed in the PC.
Tele-File
TM
System
Another important option to increase editing efficiency is
the Sony Tele-File system, a non-contact read/write system
for storing production-related data on an I/C memory
embedded in a 1/2-inch cassette label. Connecting a PC
running JZ-1 Videocassette logging Software to the J-H1 and
J-H3 allows information to be read and written to a Tele-File
label (option: MLB-1M-100) via GUI-based operations.
RGB Computer Display Interface
--- For Connection to Computer Displays
Equipped with an RGB computer display interface, both
the J-H1 and J-H3 can output HDCAM-originated content
to a computer display, at XGA resolution. (As the pixel
count of an XGA display is 1024 x 768, the HDCAM
image will be "letter-boxed" to 1024 x 577 pixels in the
center.) Alternatively, when large screen viewing is
preferred, the player can be connected to
an XGA capable data projector.
HD and SDI Outputs
--- For Connection to High Grade Monitors
The J-H1 and J-H3 both come equipped with a analog
Y/Pb/Pr component output (BNC x 3) for connection to
an HD picture monitor. The J-H3 additionally offers HD-
SDI and SD-SDI outputs giving a choice of high quality
monitoring and work-tape copying. (AES/EBU audio and
non audio data are embedded in these digital outputs.)
i.LINK
®
Interface
--- 'Single-Cable' Transmission of Video,
Audio and Time Code
When equipped with the optional HKJ-101 i.LINK interface
board, both the J-H1 and J-H3 can down-convert the
HDCAM signal to a DV signal, in which video, audio and
time code are transferred through a single i.LINK interface
cable. This DV-output capability allows the J-H1 or J-H3 to
be connected to a compatible DVCAM
®
deck
for straight dubbing of HDCAM material to
DVCAM tape**. It also allows for a direct
connection to
compatible DV-based
nonlinear editors.
*i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an
IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary depending on the software
applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an
i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other. Please refer to the
documentation that comes with any device having an i.LINK connection for information
on compatibility, operating conditions and proper connection.
**Assemble or Insert editing is not supported.
161
J-H3 Rear Panel
Laptop PC
J-H1/J-H3
PC
PROJector
J-H1/-JH3
