Panasonic Broadcast announced the launch of a new website, www.panasonic.com/iditarod, that will provide close up coverage of its P2 HD solid-state memory camcorders in action capturing the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This marks the first year that the entire 1,150-mile sled dog race will be recorded in high definition.
Panasonic P2 HD camcorders are recording the teams, each comprised of up to 16 ultra-competitive canine athletes and their mushers, during the marathon race, which started in Anchorage on March 4 and will end in Nome 10 to 17 days later. The race is fielding six video crews equipped with 10 Panasonic P2 HD cameras ‘ the AJ-HPX2000 2/3″ shoulder-mount and AG-HVX200 handheld ‘ to record the 87 sled dog teams during the race.

At www.panasonic.com/iditarod, visitors are able to track the results of the race, view behind-the-scene video and photos showing the P2 HD products in use and learn more about the P2 HD products being deployed.

To record all facets of the marathon race, the P2 HD-equipped video crews are using a myriad of vehicles, from airplanes to a helicopter (with a Wescam rig) to snowmobiles. Over 140 hours of P2 HD video footage are expected to be captured. The P2 HD footage will be showcased in highlight packages supplied to television stations and networks from around the world, in three one-hour documentaries for VERSUS (formerly the Outdoor Life Network) – one of which will air before the race concludes – as well as on the Iditarod’s own official web site, www.iditarod.com, with daily updates throughout the race.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, an Alaskan tradition built over the past 35 years, remains one of the most unique and arduous athletic tests of our time, and arguably is the most popular sporting event in Alaska. The race goes through North America’s largest mountain range (the Alaska Range); stretches along the mighty Yukon River, and then culminates on the Gold Coast of Norton Sound. The Iditarod is typically characterized by sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and some of the most rugged terrain on Earth.