HITACHI UNVEILS THE WORLD’S FIRST (*1) BLU-RAY DISC CAMCORDER
Two New Camcorders Capable of Recording One Hour 1920x1080 Full High-Definition Video
on a Blu-ray Disc
8cmBD/DVD Drive+30GB HDD Cam DZ-BD7H
8cmBD/DVD Drive Cam DZ-BD70
TOKYO August 2, 2007 - Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT / TSE:6501) announced the world’s first Blu-ray Disc
(BD) Camcorder, -which records one hour of 1920x1080 Full High-Definition video onto a BD (single
side, single layer.) The new camcorders will start selling in Japan on August 30, 2007, and overseas
market sequentially starting from October.
The new DZ-BD7H is a Hybrid Cam with a BD drive and a 30 gigabyte (GB) built-in hard disc drive (HDD)
which can record approximately four hours of 1920x1080 full high-definition video, or up to eight hours of
1440x1080 high-definition video. It can also copy the contents from HDD to 8cm BD within the camcorder
so that users do not need to use any external devices.
The new DZ-BD70 is a BD single drive camcorder which can record approximately one hour of 1920x1080
full high-definition video (two hours of 1440x1080 high definition video) on a 8cm BD.
The new BD camcorders have a system which captures, records and stores 1920x1080 full high-definition
video throughout the whole process with its newly developed full high-definition lens, 5.3 mega pixel
progressive CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor (*2) with effective 2.07 mega
pixels for video and 4.32 mega pixels for still photo, the newly developed full high definition signal processor
“Picture Master Full HD,” and the world’s first 8cm BD drive, which can record 1920x1080 full high definition
video on a 8cm BD which has 5 times more capacity than a 8cm DVD.
■ Model Name and Introduction (Japan)
Image
Sensor
Suggested
Retail Price Production/Month
Initial
Product
Model Name
HDD
Selling Starts
Approx.
5.3Mega
Pixels
DZ-BD7H
DZ-BD70
30GB
-
Aug.30, 2007
Aug.30, 2007
BD Camcorder
Open
20,000 units
■ Background of Development
Non-tape media camcorders such as DVD and HDD camcorders have grown to dominate more than
80% of the camcorder market (*3). High definition camcorders have taken more than 30% of the
consumer camcorder market (*3), and are expected to continue growing.
Hitachi, with its corporate statement “Inspire the Next, ” has been creating new product categories and
established new standards in the industry. In 2000, Hitachi introduced the world’s first DVD camcorder,
and in 2006, the world’s first hybrid camcorder with a DVD drive and an HDD drive, which makes it easy
to dub the contents on the HDD to the DVD. The spirit behind the innovation was always a careful
consideration of the customer’s needs.
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Attachments
■ Main Features for Keeping Fresh and Vivid Memories – 1920x1080 Full High Definition
throughout Imaging, Recording, and Playback
1. World’s First (*1) 8cm BD/DVD Drive (plus 30GB HDD for Hybrid model)
(1) Hitachi Original 8cm BD/DVD Drive
Hitachi developed a compact, low power consuming, and reliable 8cm BD/DVD drive
which corresponds to five kinds of 8cm discs; BD-RE/-R, DVD-RAM/-RW/-R. (*1)
*1: BD camcorder BD/DVD drive does not comply with dual layer discs.
1) The drive carries two optical pick-ups for BD and DVD and a flat pick-up with
compact aberration correction function for BD. The size of the drive chassis
remains almost the same as the DVD camcorder drive.
8cm BD/DVD Drive
2) The drive can record and playback full high definition. BD has approximately five times the
capacity and approximately three times the rapid transfer rate compared with DVD.
3) Low power consumption by intermittent recording technology which is the combination of rapid
recording on the disc and memory buffer function.
4) P-CAV (Partial-Constant Angular Velocity) Control Technology has been
developed for rapid disc rotation speed essential for full high definition
recording and also to maintain silence.
(2) 8cm BD Recording
The camcorder can record record one hour of 1920x1080 pixels full high-definition video on a 8cm BD
(single side, single layer 7.5GB) which is a convenient media to stock. BD-RE discs are re-writable,
whereas BD-R discs can record once.
(3) Large Capacity 30GB HDD (DZ-BD7H)
1) “30GB HDD” can record long hours without caring about the remaining time
on the media. 30GB HDD can record up to four hours of 1920x1080 pixels
full high definition video (HX mode), or eight hours of 1440x1080 pixels high
definition video (HS mode).
2) “Impact Resistant Damper” protects the HDD from shock and moderates
impact to 50%.
30GB HDD
3) “Head Load/Unload Structure” removes head away from the disc when not
in operation in order to prevent the head from touching the disc when impact is
given to the HDD.
2. High Picture Quality Video Engineering for Shooting 1920x1080 Pixels Full High Definition
(1) Full High Definition Distortion-less Lens
10x zoom non-spherical lens has been developed to maintain compact body size. It
captures 2400x1800 pixels still photo as well as 1920x1080 full high-definition video.
The lens is multi-coated to prevent reflection, flare, or ghost images, and has
gradation ND (neutral density) filter to prevent degrading of resolution caused by
aperture of iris.
Full HD Lens
(2) CMOS Image Sensor for Full High Definition Video and Approximately 4.32
Mega Pixel Still Photo
Approximately 5.3 mega pixel CMOS Image Sensor co-developed with AltaSens, Inc.
captures the true nature of the object in progressive format and has RGB primary
color filter. CMOS image sensor is capable of reading pixel area randomly at a rapid
speed essential for full high definition video imaging. (1920x 1080) It can capture
still photo image at 2400x1800 pixels. Pixel size of the CMOS image sensor is
2.09µm, 1/2.8 inches in size, and total pixel size of approximately 5.3 mega pixel has
electronic image stabilization function with is controlled outside the range of effective
pixels.
Approximately
5.3 Mega Pixel
CMOS Image
Sensor
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(3) “Picture Master Full HD” High Resolution Image Processing Engine consists
of “High Resolution Camera Image Processing LSI for Full High Definition“ which
effectively processes the massive data captured by the 5.3 mega pixel CMOS image
sensor, and “High Quality Audio/Video Codec LSI” which implemented MPEG4
AVC/H.264 CODEC, which is 1.5 to twice efficient compared with MPEG2.
i) “High Resolution Camera Image Processing LSI” has Adaptive DNR (Dynamic
Noise Reducing Method) technology which analyzes the captured image and reduces
noise and Advanced CCM (Correlative Coefficient Multiplying Method) Circuit to
control false color signal. It improves picture quality by reducing noise and by
preventing data to be used up by noise signal during compression at the same time to
capture beautiful high definition video.
High
Definition
Camera Image
Processing
LSI
ii) “High Quality Audio/Video Codec LSI” has a uniquely developed algorism for
high-quality motion picture. It switches process methods between field and frame in
macro block depending on the amount of motion happening within the frame to process
fine quality video image in scenes with a lot of action. The unique algorism adaptively
judges and switches encoding methods depending on the condition of images judged by
the correlation of different frames, or predictions made from a single frame. The
algorism judges the amount of code to allocate by calculating how much picture
quality deterioration can be recognized at playback.
High Quality
Audio/Video
Codec LSI
(4) HDMI Output Terminal
The BD camcorder has HDMI terminal which transfers 1920x1080 pixel full high-definition video and clear
audio digital data with one cable. A HDMI cable which is widely available in the market can be used for
connection.
3. Dubbing in the Camcorder (DZ-BD7H)
The contents recorded onto the HDD can be easily dubbed in the original high definition quality to BD or
converted to standard definition when dubbing to DVD utilizing the camcorder without the hassle of
connecting the camcorder to other devices. (*2)
*2:
The camcorder must be powered via the AC adapter/charger for dubbing from HDD to disc.
The disc media being copied can be selected from 8cm BD-RE/-R,DVD-RAM/-RW/-R depending on the
type of disc that best suits the format of the player. The user can choose from four pre-set dubbing
modes, and if the contents do not fit into the disc, the user can also select auto divide dubbing.
1) “New” selects only the uncopied scenes on the HDD and dubs to disc.
2) “Date” selects the scenes recorded on the specified date and dubs to disc.
3) “All” dubs all the contents on the HDD.
4) “Select” dubs the scenes selected by the user.
4. Editing in the Camcorder
The full high-definition video recorded on the HDD or the 8cm BD-RE can be edited with the camcorder.
Easy editing functions such as split, delete, and connect can be made without using a PC. User can also
create play list, and rearrange the orders of playback within the play list.
5. 4.32 Mega Pixel High Resolution Still Photo
Approximately 4.32 mega pixels high resolution still photos can be recorded on the SD memory card. 10x
optical zoom lens will capture images form wide to telephoto angle. (Field angle 35mm at 4x3 still is
equal to 34.5-345mm converted to film)
6. “Full High Definition Photo Capture” to Cut Out the Best Shot from Video
The best shot from the recorded full high-definition video can be captured as approximately 2.07 mega
pixels photo images and stored into the SD memory card. The captured photo can then be printed out
easily with a printer capable of reading SD memory card.
7. One Second “Quick Start”
The BD camcorder can start recording in one second by pressing the “Restart” button instead of turning
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off the power. It also saves power during stand-by. (*3)
*3: Quick Start mode consumes only 1/2 power compared during shooting with LCD monitor turned off. Power turns off
automatically after kept at stand-by for 30 minutes. Zoom ratio will be at 1x when re-started.
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Simple and Innovative Design
The new BD camcorder distinguishes itself from conventional camcorders with a smooth flowing, simple
and innovative design. The lens portion implemented a large aperture expressing its high quality, and the
round body is a motif of the BD. The left portion of the camcorder is UV coated to protect the body from
scratches and to maintain shine. The operation buttons promote ease of use with a cursor button next to
the LCD and an auto lens cover that activates with the power switch.
9. On-Board “Interactive Guide” to Guide the Users through Set-Up and Connections
“Interactive Guide” show the users how to connect with a TV, explain the kinds of discs, how to switch
modes, etc. on the screen so that even people who have never used a camcorder can feel comfortable.
10. Provided PC Application
“ImageMixer™ 3 HD Edition for BD Camcorder (*4)” is provided to playback on PC, or to edit and create
12cm BD/DVD copies. (*5) ( PC with the equivalent disc drive is required.)
*4 by Pixela Corporation
*5 The created discs are not guaranteed to playback on all players or recorders.
Windows® PC Operation Requirements (Japan models)
OS
Windows® XP Home Edition SP2, Windows® XP Professional Edition SP2, Windows
Vista™ (Japanese Edition)
Computer
CPU
IBM®PC/AT® compatible, with the above OS preinstalled
Intel® Pentium® D2.8GHz or higher, Intel® Core™ 2 Duo 1.66Hz or higher (2.66Hz or higher
is recommended)
Memory
HDD
512MB or more (1GB or more is recommended)
Free space of at least 300MB to install the application
Free space necessary for creating a disc
DVD-Video: At least 14GB for work folder (At least 28GB for a double layer disc.)
Blu-ray: At least 50 GB for work folder (At least 28GB for a double layer disc.)
Need one port for BD Cam. (May not operate when connected via USB hub)
Displayable with at least 1024x768 pixels and 16bits (High color)
Graphics accelerator supporting DirectX® 9.0c or later (supporting PCI Express x16 is
recommended)
USB
Graphics
Others
Not compliant with 64 bit versions of the above OS.
Compliant with Japanese version of the above OS only
Not compliant with self-designed PC or Windows® upgraded environment, or multi-boot
environment. User must be logged in with administrative privileges in order to use the
software.
Not compliant for output to HDD of the camcorder
11. Other Useful Functions
(1) Approximately 210k Pixels 2.7” Wide LCD
(2) 8cm BD-RE Packed-In
(3) SD Memory Card Compatible (for still photo)
(4) Built-In Flash Light (for still photo)
12. Optional Accessories
Tele Conversion Lens
Wide Conversion Lens
Carrying Case
DZ-TL43
DZ-WL43
DZ-CB7
Battery Pack
DZ-BP14SJ（1360mA）
Battery Pack
DZ-BP21SJ（2040mA）
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13. Recording Modes and Recording Time
Bit Rate
Recording Time (approximately)
Picture
Quality
Rec.
Mode
（Audio）
VBR
Recording
Recording
Pixels
HDD
BD
DVD
(Single Side)
1.4GB
Compression
(Single Side)
7.5GB
30GB
15Mbps
(256Kbps)
11Mbps
(256Kbps)
7.5Mbps
(256Kbps)
9Mbps
(256Kbps)
6Mbps
(256Kbps)
HX
HF
HS
SX
SF
1920x1080
1440x1080
1440x1080
720x480
4 hours
1 hour
-
High
Definition
MPEG4
AVC/H.264
5hr. 20 min
1hr. 20 min.
-
8 hours
2 hours
-
-
-
-
-
20 min.
30 min.
Standard
Definition
MPEG2
720x480
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Product Specification (Japan Models)
Model
DZ-BD7H
DZ-BD70
Image Sensor
Total Pixels
1/2.8” Progressive, RGB Primary Color Filter CMOS
Approximately 5.3 Mega Pixels
Effective Video (16x9)
Approximately 2.07 Mega Pixels
Pixels
Still
Approximately 4.32 Mega Pixels
Lens
Ｆ1.8～3.0、ｆ＝5.0～50mm
Video: Approximately 47.0～470mm (16x9 Mode)
Still: Approximately 34.5～345mm (4x3 Mode)
Auto Focus / Manual Focus
Angle（35mm equivalent）
Focus
24 Lux
(Electronic Shutter 1/30)
Minimum Illumination
43mm / Optical 10x
Electronic Zoom 240x
Lens Filter Diameter/ Zoom Ratio
1
*
LCD Monitor/ Viewfinder
Image Stabilization
Video Flash
2.7” Wide TTF (approx. 210k pixels) / 0.2” Color LCD (approx. 200k pixels)
Electronic Image Stabilization
Built-In (Auto, On, Off)
4hr. (HX) 1920x1080
Built-In HDD
Max.
Video
5hr. 20min. (HF) 1440x 1080
8hr. (HS) 1440 x 1080
―
1hr. (HX) 1920x1080
1hr.20min. (HF) 1440x1080,
2hr. (HS) 1440x1080
Rec.
Time
Single Side 8cmBD-RE/-R
(approx.)
Single Side
20min. (SX) 720x480
30 min. (SF) 720x480
8cmDVD-RAM/-R/-RW
Still Photo Max. Storage Capacity
(with 1GB SD Memory Card)
HDD
Approximately 400 Photos (2400x1800 pixels)
MPEG4 AVC / H.264
MPEG4 AVC / H.264 (BD-RE Ver.3.0, BD-R Ver.2.0 Compliant)
MPEG2 (DVD Video Recording, DVD Video Format Compliant)
JPEG (DCF/Exif 2.2 Compliant)
8cmBD-RE、8cmBD-R
Rec.
8cmDVD-RAM/-R/-RW
Method
SD Memory Card
JPEG Pixels
2400x1800
Audio Recording Format
Built-In HDD Capacity
Video/Audio Jack
Dolby Digital 2ch
30GB
―
8pin connector (S Video/Audio Output)x1, External Microphone Input x1
USB2.0 High Speed Mode Compliant
USB Jack
HDMI Jack
Yes (Output only)
Power Consumption (LCD Off, HX Mode)
Consecutive Recording Time *2
Size*3 (WxHxD)
Approximately 5.7W (HDD)
Approximately 100 minutes (HDD)
Approximately 80x87x165mm
Approximately 6.7W (BD-RE)
Approximately 90 minutes (BD-RE)
Approximately 77x87x165mm
Weight*4
Approximately 630g
Approximately 705g
Approximately 575g
Approximately 650g
Weight at Recording(w/ Supplied Battery)
Supplied Accessories: 8cm BD-RE Disc, Battery Pack (DZ-BP14S), AC Adapter/Battery Charger, Power Cable, DC Power Cord, AV/S input cable, D
pin cable, remote control unit, battery for remote, Shoulder Strap, Disc Cleaning Cloth, USB cable, PC (Windows) Software CD-ROM, Quick Guide.
*1 ： Digital Zoom works for video shooting only.
*2 ： Measured under the following conditions: HF mode, Auto AE, Manual Focus, LCD monitor off, with battery pack DZ-BP14S.
*3 ： Size does not include hand strap.
*4 ： Weight does not include battery pack and media.
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Information contained in this news release is current as
of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject
to change without prior notice.
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