JVC Sets 5 World Records in the Latest HD Line-Up of Everios

Effortlessly in aiming to provide the latest and the very best High-Definition technology to its ever demanding consumers, JVC sales & Service (M) Sendirian Berhad has launched three new HD camcorders, namely GZ-HD10, GZ-HD30 and GZ-HD40, while, adding to its present range of Everios. Present at the launch of Everio Series were, Mr. Hirokazu Tamura, Managing Director of JVC Sales & Service (Malaysia) Sendirian Berhad, Mr. Masahiro Sasakura, Assistant Manager of International Sales & Marketing Department, Camcorder Division, JVC Japan and Mr. Tan Sze Chie, National Category Manager-Camcorder-Sales & Marketing of JVC Sales & Service (Malaysia) Sendirian Berhad.

To meet the needs of broader segment targeted consumers, the innovatively designed of GZ-HD30 is claimed to be the world’s smallest Full HD camcorder with 1.8″ HDD, offering an almost all round performance as of the JVC GZ-HD40 camcorder.

Claimed as the world’s first AVCHD/ MPEG-2 dual-format camcorder that allows extended time compression implemented by AVCHD and MPEG-2’s superior editing and post-production environment, GZ-HD30 and GZ-HD40 Everio provide 1920×1080 Full HD recording in both formats to a 120GB (GZ-HD40) or 80GB (GZ-HD30) internal hard disk drive. In the process of sorting and merging similar themed scenes for simple access, and Digest Playback that creates a video montage of scenes, ables to burn onto a DVD, these two models has claimed to be the world’s first Intelligent Grouping Function. Inspired by CMOS imaging chips with interpolation technology, the HD Gigabrid Duo chip includes codecs for AVCHD, MPEG-2 format, noise reduction technology and 1920×1080/50P output for all JVC camcorders via HDMI (V.1.3 with x.v. Colour).

To minimize the risk of missing an important shot by incorporating faster response that triggers the start of recording within 0.08 seconds, the GZ-HD30 & GZ-HD40 has again claimed for being the world’s fastest start-up response camcorder. With a faster response time, it marks a vast improvements over its closest rivals which clocks 0.6 seconds delay. JVC’s technology advancement also provides GZ-HD40 an excellent storage of 120GB hard disk drive, to fulfill 50 hours of AVCHD Full HD video recording, it also breaks a world record in longest recording time.

JVC introduces the small sized HD Everio GZ-HD10 to serve the needs of budget-conscious users, with added-value features by incorporating high quality KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS and a respectable 40GB hard disk to provide a 16 hours of high-definition recording. The GZ-HD10’s 1440×1080 AVCHD recordings are capable to convert for playback at 1920×1080/50P via HDMI.

All three new HD Everio camcorders are able to connect optionally to CU-VD50 Everio SHARE STATION with stand alone playback. The new HD Everios can also connect to the JVC CU-VD3 SHARE STATION to offer an even more cost-efficient archiving and playback solution. The combinations offer the world’s first PC-less solution for AVCHD and MPEG-2 burning and playback with AVCHD DVD disc that can be shared with commonly available AVCHD compatible/ Blu-Ray players. With the introduction of Everio SHARE STATION, that enables PC-less environment, users can burn 12cm AVCHD disc from all cameras, or MPEG-2 data discs from the GZ-HD40 and 30 to make backups and permanent archives. Created AVCHD discs can be played on AVCHD compatible/Blu-ray players. The CU-VD50 can also be used as an external DVD drive/burner when connected to a PC. Price of Everio SHARE STATION starts from RM1599 depending on models.

JVC’s GZ-HD10, GZ-HD30 and GZ-HD40 are retailed at RM3099, RM4099 and RM4399 respectively and are available at all authorised dealers’ outlets across nationwide. For more information about the new Everios, please visit www.jvc.com

Sony Introduces World’s First AVCD Camcorder With Smile Shutter And Face Detection Technology

In responding to consumers’ demands for an extreme functionality and a highly advance camcorder, Sony Malaysia has unveiled its latest High Definition (HD) Handycam HDR-CX12, that is equipped with Smile Shutter and Face Detection technology.

Based on AVCHD encoding technology, the new Handycam HDR-CX12 is able to deliver an impressive 1920×1080i Full HD recording and 10.2 Megapixel still quality image. The new HDR-CX12 also features a ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor derived technology and in combining BIONZ image processing engine, the HDR-CX12 ables to achieve video still images that comes with high sensitivity and low noise.

Claimed as the world’s first camcorder with a Smile Shutter technology, the new Handycam HDR-CX12 ables to detect smiles during video recording and automatically captures still images of the scene.

The camcorder also features Optical Steady Shot which enables users to capture blur free videos without any deterioration in image quality, Slow Smooth Recording (ables to record 240 fields per second) allows users to capture a 3-seconds video as a smooth 12-second slow motion video and with Dual Recording function allows HDR-CX12 to capture 7.6 Megapixel high resolution still images while recording HD video.

Meanwhile, Mr. Taku Taguchi, General Manager of Product Marketing, Sony Malaysia said, “as the leader in high definition camcorders, Sony continues to revolutionise and expand its Handycam range with an aim of providing imaging technologies that caters to consumers’ needs“. Mr. Taguchi also added “Sony HDR-CX12 redefines the concept of camcorders with the world’s first Handycam engineered with both Smile Shutter & Face Detection technology”.

With built-in zoom microphone, the new Handycam (supports 5.1 channel Dolby digital surround sound) ables to record crisp audio clarity from desired object. By employing an optional wireless microphone, the users can also record accurate sound even in busy streets or distant locations.

The new Sony Handycam supports both, BRAVIA LCD TV with BRAVIA Sync feature via HDMI cable or component AV cable and Easy PC Back-up function for convenient back-up of Memory Stick data to a notebook or PC. The hassle free One Touch-Disk Burn is capable in allowing videos and images on the Handycam to be easily replicated onto AVCHD discs and DVDs.

The new Handycam HDR-CX12 is retailed at RM4,999 and is available at all Sony’s authorised dealers nationwide. For more information, please visit www.sony.com.my or contact Connie Goh at 603 2295 0307 or connie.goh@ap.sony.com

JVC Takes SD Card Memory Camcorder Market By Storm

JVC Sales and Service Malaysia , a wholly owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan, Limited, and one of the world’s leading developers and manufacturers of sophisticated audio, video and related software products, has unveiled JVC Everio S Series GZ-MS100, the first SD Card Memory Camcorder that features a one-touch uploading to YouTube.

The latest generation of Everio’s S Series (weighing just 270 grammes with battery included) is the first of its kind to record to an SD Card instead of a built-in hard drive and its one-touch upload to YouTube on Internet works in two ways, that is, in camera mode, the UPLOADING & Trigger button enables recordings to 10 minutes in length to suit YouTube file size limit, which eliminates the needs to manually set time recordings or return to editing and shorten footage. Once UPLOAD button is triggered, recordings will be transfered to PC and YouTube via USB cable and with a few clicks, the video is on Internet.

With the Cyberlink technology, the GZ-MS100 model ables to burn video recordings easily onto DVD using computer’s optical disc drive or to create DVDs without using a computer, JVC offers the CU-VD3 Everio SHARE STATION by allowing DVD burner to accommodates Everio’s USB Host function that allows scene playback order to rearranged within the functionality of the camera before data recordings transfered.

The new GZ-MS100 is also equipped with Laser Touch Operation to enable users to scroll bar and buttons by just using fingers to glide up and down the bar menu with the guidance of blue light, thus, the 2.7-inch LCD screen which has Auto Backlight Control (to automatically adjust brightness for comfortable viewing) is prevented from dirt, smudged, scratch and fingerprints. By just flipping out the LCD, which takes only a second, the user ables to shoot any moving object with ease and by closing the LCD ables to off the power as well as to avoid draining battery.

The GZ-MS100 is enhanced with KONICA MINOLTA LENS that provides a 35x optical zoom with excellent picture quality. JVC’s Gigabrid Engine also contributes to quality by incorporating six digital noise reduction systems to improve the S/N ratio by about 30% (3dB) over previous models and intergrating the MPEG-2 encoder to help reduce block noise.

The Managing Director of JVC Sales & Service (M) Sdn. Bhd, Mr. Hirokazu Tamura said “the Everio S Series – GZ-MS100 that comes with all the features and functions of winning Everio HDD range, is even smaller & lighter. Currently JVC is the market leader for HDD category in Malaysia and international, by capturing 45% of the domestic market”. Also present at the event were, Mr. Tamaki Yoshihiro, General Manager of R &D JVC Manufacturing (M) Sdn. Bhd, Mr. Alex Low Yit Wai of JVC Manufacturing (M) Sdn. Bhd, and Mr. Tan Sze Chie, National Category Manager-Camcorder-Sales & Marketing of JVC Sales & Service (M) Sdn. Bhd.

In conjunction with the launch, JVC held its prize presentation to the winner of Tokyo Video Festival 2008 Excellence Award from the One Academy (namely ; Elaine Wong, Reuben Teo, Wong Ee-Va, Yiing Shii Ti and Stefanie Chee) for short-video called “Fence”. This video competition is sponsored by Victor Company of Japan to promote video software production as one way to enjoy video technology as well as to groom young budding creative talents in this line.

JVC GZ MS-100 is retailed at RM1,499 and during the introductory period each unit will come with a free 4GB SDHC Memory Card (1 to 5 hours recording duration-depends on recording mode).

For more information about the new Everio S Series, please log on to www.jvc.com.my

Sony Launches World’s Slimmest, Lightest & Smallest Camcorder

Sony Malaysia has introduced the latest High Definition (HD) Handycam HDR-TG1 to its magnificent line-up of Handycams at KL Hilton recently. The new Handycam HDR-TG1(measuring at 32 x 119 x 63mm and weighing just 300g) is claimed to be the lightest, slimmest, smallest and most compact AVCHD camcorder, by delivering Full HD 1920 x 1080i video recording and captures still images of up to 4 megapixel resolution in various Memory Stick Duo media (that includes 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo media that can accommodate 2 hours of high-definition recording in Full HD 1920×1080i mode and 7700 still images).

In line with Sony’s “My HD to Go” design concept, the HDR-TG1 is a pocket-sized, Full HD camcorder is created to capture high definition video. Pure titanium is incorporated for the first time in a camcorder chassis for a lightweight yet robust construction. Premium Hard Coating, is used on the Handycam body surface to enhance its scratch-resistance and minimise wear and tear.

Meanwhile, Mr. Taku Taguchi, General Manager of Product Marketing Division, Sony Malaysia said, Sony will continue its effort to expand and enhance Sony’srange of innovative camcorders to give consumers maximum choice and functionality.

The HDR-TG1 integrates Sony’s original ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor derived technology and BIONZ image processing engine, delivering vivid, crisp movies and photos with high sensitivity and low noise. Face Detection technology has been featured for both video and photos, that enables the HDR-TG1 to identify up to 8 faces in camcorder’s LCD frame. This unique Face Detection technology ables to automatically allocates more pixels to the detected face during the AVCHD encoding process, by optimizing focus, exposure and colours for natural-looking skin tones, while the D-Range Optimizer suppresses “blackout” in subjects and “whiteout” in brightly lit environments, ensuring more natural, evenly-exposed pictures, when shooting high contrast and strong backlit scenes. The built-in zoom microphone allows the HDR-TG1 to focus on targeted sound on any specific subject that the camcorder zooms in on, by ensuring a clear audio recording in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

The HDR-TG1 camcorder is also a user friendly camcorder, by providing users a multiple options like BRAVIA Sync enables viewing of video and images from HDR-TG1 to connect to BRAVIA TV with an optional HDMI cable, and the Photo TV HD feature allows photos to be displayed on any BRAVIA TV in Full HD quality. The HD Handycam features a One Touch Disc Burn button on the Handycam Station which enables transfer of videos to be directed to a AVCHD or DVD format disc and the Easy PC Backup feature creates a backup copy of new videos on a PC automatically.

In conjunction with the launch of HDR-TG1 camcorder, Sony also unveiled the latest TV programme entitled “MyView MyStory”, a reality travel show produced in collaboration with Astro, which features Malaysia’s very own talents- Jojo and Kamal. The objective of “MyView MyStory” is to cultivate the usage of HandyCam amongst the viewer. Mr Taku Taguchi said, this show is very relevant to the usage of HDR-TG1 camcorder, because the camcorder is light, is equipped with a safety strap and easy-to-use, is a perfect travelling companion. Mr. Taguchi also added the pocket-sized HDR-TG1 camcorder enables users to capture any moments in their journey. The one-hour “MyView MyStory” reality show will be broadcasted on the weekend for a total of 8 episodes at Astro Ria and Astro Wah Lai Toi beginning July 2008.

For more information about Sony Handycam, log on to www.sony.com.my or contact Connie Goh at 603 2295 0307