For the ultimate quality in mastering films, commercials and other premium programming, Panasonic is now delivering a new 2K processor for its D-5 high-definition VTR.

Priced at $35,000, the Panasonic AJ-HDP2000 is designed for post production, telecine systems and dual-link 4:4:4 HD video system cameras. It provides an elegant method of recording, editing and archiving 2K and 4:4:4 HDTV images on the widely used D-5 HD mastering format. D-5 has been the standard mastering format for HD projects since the late 1990s.

Coupled with the company’s AJ-HD3700H, AJ-HD3700A or AJ-HD3700B D-5 HD VTRs, video operators can now record, playback and edit full 12-bit 4:4:4 2K (2048 x 1080) resolution film image data or 12-bit 4:4:4 sampled dual-link 1920 x 1080 HD images onto videotape for editing, archiving and distribution.

The device uses JPEG2000 compression. That’s the same compression scheme specified by the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) to convert film to digital data for subsequent processing in digital intermediate environments while maintaining its core resolution.

Panasonic said the encoder used in the system offers optimized bit rate control and increased error tolerance for reliable interchange required in editing. Equipped with a SMPTE 372M dual-link SDI input/output interface, the video signal, audio signal and TV are embedded into one system for connection to linear and telecine equipment.

The 2K processor also features a 4:4:4 to 4:2:2 conversion capability that enables the output of a 4:2:2 video signal from the HD-SDI terminal. It maintains eight-channel 24-bit recordings, as well as the ability of the system to handle compression audio streams for multi-channel/second language applications.

Maximum record time is 155 minutes at 24fps in HD/2K modes. A software upgrade for the AJ-HD3700 series D-5 HD VTRs is required. If you’ve got the bucks, Panasonic is delivering today.

For more info, visit http://www.panasonic.com/broadcast/.