Now that a few people are getting their hands on the PDW700, is there any evidence of a 720 mode on them?
The brochure constantly talks abotu "support" for 720P without saying if the camera is going to get a record mode allowing 720/50P etc. to be recorded direct to disc. Is this a firmware upgrade that'll be around soon? Also, anyone know if you'll be able to mix 1080 and 720 material on the same disc?
Cheers,
Steve

Don't know about mixing material on the same disc, but I am aware of one or two cameras that have 720 enabled.

-gb-

Doesn't mention in the latest firmware update (v1.10) only 25P. Though a dealer I know has one in hire and he says he's sure it's got 720, that's why I asked. So where did they get that from, or is it in the camera somewhere at delivery, and you just have to dig it out!!?
Steve

Steve,

PDW-700s currently being delivered do not have 720p. The 1.1 firmware only supports 1080HD in 50i, 60i and 25p modes. 720p will be available in october in a free of charge 1.2 firmware upgrade along with XDCAM HD 4:2:0 codecs (25mbps and 35mpbs), timelapse and SD recording (optional). An other feature that will come next year around NAB is support for 24P (23.98p). I don't know if mixing 1080 and 720 rasters will be supported but you can record progressive and interlace footage on the same disc. I tried this on my 700 yesterday with mixing 50i and 25p.

Thierry.

Thanks Thierry, so how have you seen it Greg, do you know a freelance technician that's writing his own firmware?! LoL

Thierry and myself are part of a group here in the US that works closely with Sony on XDCAM stuff.

-gb-

Steve,

As 720p is being implemented, there are a few pre-production 700s around running beta firmware that may show a 720p recording mode as an option. I did see one too but it does not mean it is working 100% yet. Again, 720p will officially be available in october in the 1.2 firmware upgrade and no, there is not such thing as a freelance coder that will write custom firmware for you. I'd wish it would be that simple...

Thierry.

Thanks guys, good info as usual.
Steve

Thierry is correct in that the status of 720 is beta at the moment. I failed to mention that earlier. But it will get here eventually. We went through the growing pains of the first generation of XDCAM HD. And the wait was worth it IMHO. I applaud the guys writing the updated firmware, managing to pack more features in without breaking something else in the process. No easy task, no matter how you slice it.

-gb-

HI,

i made an XDCAM presentation / training at a german broadcaster yesterday. The f700 will definitely support 720p , as this is the new EBU official HD standard.

As far as I understood the sales rep who was with me , 720p is the absolutely next update step that will be implemented. So I am sure we will see it at IBC too.

And the "Z" family will also grow!

ULI

Steve,

An other feature that will come next year around NAB is support for 24P (23.98p).

Thierry.

Thierry, This is the first time I've seen this claim of the PDW700 being able to record at 24p with future firmware updates. If this is true this is HUGE. Other posters have surmised that a following model would have this ability. How reliable is your source for this? Has anyone else heard of of 24p as a future upgrade?

Robin
dp

I think people have always thought that the lack of Cinealta bade meant no 24P, ad also that it was a mechanism for ensuring the 700 didn't steal some F900 business at much lower cost (what a bunch of cynics!). I'm sure that technically the 24P would be easy to implement, just needs the will.
Steve

Thierry, This is the first time I've seen this claim of the PDW700 being able to record at 24p with future firmware updates. If this is true this is HUGE. Other posters have surmised that a following model would have this ability. How reliable is your source for this? Has anyone else heard of of 24p as a future upgrade?

Robin
dp

This info comes straight out of Sony USA XDCAM marketing. It is official and it can be shared. And yes, it is great news for all wannabe 700 buyers.

Thierry.