Just got done watching the Discovery launch on the HD network channel. How cool and great pictures in HD! I TIVO'ed it and will keep for a while.

Picture quality sure looked better than I got last time when I filmed the launch about one year ago. But, I must say that I got some footage they did not as I kept the 20X lens on it for much longer. They were too close, boy does that sound strange! When the people around me said that it was gone, I was still taping! Also, as strange as it may seem, I actually followed it a bit better when a long way off. Surprised even me!

It's good to be back out there. What a 4th of July present!

Mike

yeah, i saw it launch a few times, it's really cool! Specialy a night launch, talk about bright.

When it launched, all I could think about was, what type of camera is on the outside catching the footage.

oh that ones easy, they just took a camera out of one of thoese estes model rocket kits :P

Any word on whether it was native 720p or native 1080i or mixing both 720p and 1080i?

Not sure what cameras HD Net used, but they said they had four of them. I know they said that NASA had over 100 cameras watching the shuttle. They also have cameras in a couple of jets that follow for a short distance.

Mike

From the STS-121 (the current mission flying now) fact sheet on the NASA site:

"Improved Imagery: STS-121 will be NASA's most-photographed mission in shuttle history. More than 100 high definition, digital, video and film cameras... four new video cameras have been added to the solid rocket boosters."

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/151227main_STS-121_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Not sure what cameras HD Net used
Actually, NASA owns the HD cameras at KSC.

NASA has hundreds of cameras pointed at the Shuttle, and onboard, for launch and a few of those go out live for public use via the television companies, but most of the NASA cameras are set up to check on specific engineering issues. I'd be amazed if the commercial enterprises like HD Net aren't using their own equipment.

I don't know what NASA or HD Net were using for launch coverage this time -- probably big dollar cameras -- but last year's **pre-launch** coverage of crew activities during quarantine was a one-man handheld show using a Varicam.

I'd be amazed if the commercial enterprises like HD Net aren't using their own equipment.


I agree. When I stated that HD Net had four cameras, that was based on their statement to that effect. They had access to other views, NASA cameras HD and other, but I think the four mains they used were their own.

Thanks to them for their patience, as they were set-up and live each day and did not give up.

Hey Pete, do you know a John Moorhead? He was my best friend in the 11th grade here in Florida. I met up with him a few years ago, and we had dinner during one of his trips to West Palm Beach, to check with Lockheed Martin. He's been with NASA now for over 30 years and is the chief engineer on the main engines.

Anyway, have a great day all.

Mike

No, I'm in Houston and only know a handful of folks at KSC, mostly in the medical and crew quarters areas.

Too bad we don't get that here. I hope to one day actually see a launch with
my own eyes. That should be one of those lifetime experiences I'd imagine.

Next thing would be to go into space myself and look at the blue "marble",
guess I have then done everything ;)

They use Sony HDC 700's & 750's the last time I worked with them shooting in 1080i.
I've personally shot 4 shuttle lift offs with another company in HD.
NASA has been using HD acquisition for about 10 years now and has miles upon miles of fiber installed within their facilities.
NHK/Japan has also shot them several times.

Pat,

Ok, I want your location next time! My taping took place 5-8 miles away.

Mike