Panasonic Broadcast & TV Systems Company

A Division of Panasonic Systems Sale Compan

AJ-SPC700 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

P2 FAQ’S
1.) What is the P2?

The P2 Series is based on Panasonic's new plug-in computer card type media. Called P2
("Professional Plug-in"), the P2 family of products offer P2’s solid-state memory recording without
the moving parts of other tape, hard disk, and optical disc based systems. This insures the
highest reliability, especially in challenging conditions of extreme temperature range, shock and
vibration. These new P2 products offer a significant reduction in maintenance costs and true non-
linear acquisition with immediate access to recorded video (no need to digitize) and metadata.

2.) Is the P2 system and AV or IT product?

The P2 Series is both; a fusion of the very best in AV and IT worlds. The P2 card mounts directly
into the PCMCIA card slot on a PC, so you have instant access for nonlinear editing and for faster
data transferring into the network. The P2 equipment records in an MXF file format and uses a
standard computer file structure, fitting easily into any standard IT infrastructure and allowing for
easy connectivity with USB2.0 and IEEE1394 FireWire (option) I/O’s. Even better, the P2 family
of products offers standard AV inputs and outputs, providing compatibility with today's studio
equipment.

3.) How is P2 different from other formats?

The P2 family of products offer production quality, independent intra-frame encoding, 4:2:2
color sampling (DVCPRO50), and less compression, making content easier and faster to edit and
more able to stand up to image compositing versus long GOP MPEG-2 systems. Even better,
P2’s solid state format ensures no audio dropouts, which can occur with tape and other formats.
4.) What’s inside a P2 card?

There are four error-free, 20MB transfer speed SD Memory Cards, a printed circuit board, LSI
computer controllers to allow for maximum data speed, cardbus connectors and several clamping
plates and a die casting for protection. They have been tested extensively for durability.

5.) What sizes of P2 cards are available?

Currently there are 2 sizes: 4GB and 8GB. Larger ones will be forthcoming, as the consumer
market drives demand for higher capacity SD Memory Cards.
6.) How quickly can I power on the unit and record?

0 to record in 2 seconds. Yes, it only takes approximately 2 seconds, from a cold start, to turn on
the unit and begin recording.
7.) How much recording time do I get on a P2 card?

It will depend on what P2 card you use and mode you are recording in. For DVCPRO, it is 32
minutes per 8GB P2 card and 16 minutes per 4GB P2 card. For DVCPRO50, it is 16 minutes per
8GB P2 and 8 minutes per 4GB P2 card.

8.) How many P2 cards can the AJ-SPC700 hold?

It can hold five P2 cards, as it has five P2 card slots.

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9.) Can I re-use a P2 card?

Yes, P2 cards are re-useable again and again like the SD card in your digital still camera.
Although the initial purchase of a P2 card is more expensive than videotape, when amortized
over multiple shoots, P2 is less expense. Other formats like optical disks need to be purchased
constantly.

10.) Is a stand-alone drive or VTR needed?

No on both accounts. P2 cards connect directly to your laptop computer’s PCMCIA slot. Current
non-tape based cameras require a stand-alone drive for computer integration. While these
products have less expensive media, their overall cost of ownership is increased by the need for a
stand-alone drive.

11.) What if my computer does not have a PCMICIA slot?

No problem. P2 cards can quickly and easily be placed in the AJ-PCD10 5-slot drive, or, the AJ-
PCS060G Portable P2 Store Drive. From here, these are easily connected to your chosen
computer / editing system.

12.) Can I transfer P2 content directly from my camcorder to my non-linear editing

system?

Yes. The camcorder’s USB2.0 or IEEE1394 FireWire (option) I/O’s can be utilized.

13.) Do I need to purchase special software to use the P2 cards?

There is no special software to purchase. However, like many removable storage devices, your
computer requires firmware. Panasonic provides this firmware at no cost. Additionally, P2
Viewer software is provided at no cost. This viewing application allows P2 data to be played on
any PC. Even better, this software supports metadata, voice memos, and text memos and easy
transferring of P2 content to a hard disk

14.) Which computers are compatible with P2?

P2 cards are compatible with computers with both Windows and Apple operating systems. Apple
computers recognize the P2 card via the Final Cut Pro editing application from the P2 Drive, the
P2 Store or on a G4 the PCMCIA slot or the camera. The same sources work for the PC. A
separate freeware application called P2 Viewer, supplied with the camera, is currently only
available for Windows XP.

15.) Are the P2 Store and P2 Drive compatible with Windows and Apple computers?

Yes. The P2 Store and P2 Drive support Windows 2000, Windows XP and Apple operating
systems. Drivers for all operating systems are included with the P2 Store.

16.) Which editing systems / video servers are compatible with the AJ-SPC700?

Apple Final Cut Pro; Avid NewsCutter® XP, Avid NewsCutter® Adrenaline™ FX and Avid Xpress
Pro HD; Canopus Edius H, Thomson / GVG NewsEdit; Leitch Nexio and Leitch Velocity.

Please contact your Panasonic sales manager for further details.

17.) How do I archive footage shot with the AJ-SPC700?

Either in hard drives, SAIT, DLTs, LTOs, Blu-ray or DVD solutions.

18.) Can you erase cards inside the camera?

Yes. All P2 camcorders are based on true non-linear acquisition. Like a non-linear editing
system, this enables instant selection of media, including the ability to erase any clip or a
selected group of clips as needed.

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19.) What auxiliary slots are available on the camera?

There is one slot on top for an optional wireless microphone and a separate slot for a for an
optional proxy video encoder.

20.) Do I need proxy to edit?

No. Proxy is not necessary to edit, but, is an option.

21.) What is proxy info? How is it stored in the camera? What do I use it for?

Proxy information is low resolution A/V and time code that is recorded via the optional MPEG4
encoder, simultaneously with the high resolution (DVCPRO25 or 50) that is being recorded to the
same P2 card. Proxy video can be used to move low resolution files through networks (internal
PC or even web based networks) at faster than real time to allow for quick creation of edit
decision lists and or logging and viewing footage before it arrives at the local station.

22.) What format and bit rate does your proxy recording support?

MPEG-4. Bit rates of 192Kbps, 768 kbps or 1.5 Mbps can be selected

CAMERA FAQ’S

23.) What are the AJ-SPC700’s camera features?

This model includes many of the great features of our other leading DVCPRO camcorders,
including an S/N ratio of 63dB, high sensitivity of F11 and high image quality with a 14 bit DSP.

24.) What signals does the AJ-SPC700 record?

This camera records in 2 formats: DVCPRO (25 Mbps) and DVCPRO50 (50 Mbps), which is 4:2:2
video quality and has been compared favorably with DigiBeta. This content is recorded onto P2
cards.

25.) What frame rates does the AJ-SPC700 support?

60i.

26.) What type of lens mount does the AJ-SPC700 have?

This model includes a BL4 standard 2/3” lens mount.
27.) What size is the 3-CCD imager?

The AJ-SPC700 offers three 2/3” 520,000 pixel 16:9 progressive scan CCDs. This includes active
pixels of 960 x 480 @ 16:9, with cropping to ITU601 720 x 480.

28.) Is the AJ-SPC700 16:9 or 4:3?

The AJ-SPC700 has 16:9 native imagers, and it also records 4:3 video.
29.) Does the AJ-SPC700 have a built in LCD display?

Yes, the AJ-SPC700 includes a 3.5 inch flip out LCD panel
30.) What video I/O’s does the AJ-SPC700 have?
Composite input/output.
31.) Is timecode or genlock supported?
Yes, the AJ-SPC700 has a Genlock Input, as well as TC Input and Output.
32.) How many channels of audio does the AJ-SPC700 support?

It supports 2 channels of PCM 48K 16-Bit audio.

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33.) Does the AJ-SPC700 have IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface?

Yes, this option is available for streaming and file transfer.

34.) Does the AJ-SPC700 have USB 2.0 connectivity?

Yes, for file transfer.

35.) What comes in the box with the AJ-SPC700?

Camcorder, battery bracket and instruction manual.