Panasonic AJ-PG50 Portable P2 Memory Card Recorder

The Panasonic AJ-PG50 Portable P2 Memory Card Recorder supports the AVC-ULTRA codec family, featuring the AVC-Intra200 codec, which rivals the outstanding quality of uncompressed images, the AVC-LongG codec, which lets you choose from a variety of bit rates, and AVC-Proxy for high-quality proxy video. It is compact and lightweight, equipped with microP2 and P2 card slots operate on a battery pack, and comes with a high-resolution QHD LCD monitor. 

The AJ-PG50 is provided with a variety of interfaces such as HDMI input/output, 3G-SDI input/output, and others, so it connects to a wide range of video and audio devices for recording and playback of video and audio. It also has a high-speed USB 3.0 (HOST) interface for transferring backup data to an external storage device and previewing externally stored files. A network connection is possible by wired/wireless LAN or 4G/LTE. The AJ-PG50 offers high speed and high quality and flexibly supports the most advanced AVC-ULTRA workflows.

AVC-ULTRA 
The AJ-PG50 supports the AVC-ULTRA codec family as standard. To meet the various needs from image production to streaming, the image quality and bit rate can be selected to match the application. 

An intra-frame compression method that is highly suited to image production. In addition to the conventional AVC-Intra100/50codec, the AJ-PG50 features the AVC-Intra200 codec with twice the bit rate (10 bit, 4:2:2 sampling, and a bit rate of approximately 200 Mbps). With superb images that approach uncompressed quality and 24-bit audio, it offers a level of quality that meets the needs of mastering and archiving.

This inter-frame compression method achieves high-quality HD recording at a low bit rate. Three-bit rates are available: AVC-LongG50/25/12 Mbps. AVC-LongG25 provides 10 bit/4:2:2 quality at a bit rate of approximately 25 Mbps (1080/59.94i). 

Low-bit-rate, high-resolution, high-sound quality proxy video (Quick Time/H.264) can be recorded simultaneously with the main video. Ideal for data transfer over a network and for efficient offline editing

HD/SD Multi-Format/Multi Codec
In addition to 1080i, the AJ-PG50 supports 1080p and 720p multi HD format and SD recording. 59.94 Hz/50 Hz switchable for convenient use in productions headed for global use. DVCPRO HD/DVCPRO50/DVCPRO/DV recording is also supported.

Wired/Wireless LAN Network Functions
The standard LAN (Ethernet) port allows network connection via a wired LAN. When installed with the optional AJ-WM30 Wireless Module, the AJ-PG50 gains wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11g/n) connectivity, enabling access to the following functions from a PC/Mac, tablet device, or smartphone connected to the network. The AJ-PG50 gives you a ready-to-use, cost-effective IT solution.

• Proxy Preview: Plays back proxy files (AVC-Proxy), downloads file/clip information, displays and allows editing of metadata, and enables addition/ deletion of shot marks and text memos.
• Remote: Allows remote control of recording start/stop, time code setting, and user bits setting.
• File Transfer: The FTP client function lets you transfer clips from the recorder to a network.
• Playlist Editing: Playlists can be created using proxy video with a PC/Mac or tablet. The workflow can be streamlined and faster by rough editing on location and then transferring the content files. Editing, saving,
• playback  and SDI output of a playlist, as well as EditCopy, can be performed using the Web app

4G/LTE Network Connectivity
The AJ-PG50 can send data directly to a network server via FTP allowing broadcast stations to edit recorded data immediately at the editing desk. Low-rate, Full-HD AVC-G6 files are suitable for use in broadcasting news flashes.

Video Streaming Capability
The AJ-PG50 is capable of proxy image streaming via a wired LAN, wireless LAN, and 4G/LTE. There are three streaming modes (LOW, HQ, and AVC-G6), so the most suitable model can be selected according to the line condition and application.

Small and Lightweight
The AJ-PG50 main unit weighs just 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs) and is small enough to use with one hand. A powerful 5800-mAh battery pack (VW-VBD58 provided for approximately 170 minutes of continuous playback time) mounts to the main unit's back. The AJ-PG50 can also plug into an ordinary AC outlet using the provided adaptor.

microP2 Card Slots
The AJ-PG50 comes with two slots for the microP2 card, the broadcast-use memory card downsized to match the size of a conventional SD memory card.

• microP2 card: While inheriting the high reliability of the P2 card and maintaining the large capacity of 64 GB, the microP2 card was greatly downsized to match the size of an SD Memory Card, resulting in a considerable reduction in cost.
• Content Protection System (CPS): A new security function featured on the microP2 card. The content recorded on the card is locked with a password to protect against unauthorized access. This prevents data from being stolen and enables secure media control.
• P2 card slot: One slot is also provided for the use of a conventional P2 card. Files can be copied between a microP2 card and a P2 card.

Card Slots 2+1

• Simultaneous Rec: Records simultaneously onto two microP2 cards. This mode ensures redundant recording.
• Dual Codec Recording: Records the main video data with an AVC-Intra or AVC-LongG codec, while simultaneously recording proxy video data at a low bit rate.
• Hot-Swap Rec: The two microP2 card slots enable uninterrupted recording, and also allow switching of the active card slot and changing of cards while recording.
• Auto REC: Automatically starts recording according to the SDI/HDMI video signal input.
• Loop Rec: Maintains a recording of a certain time period through repeated loop recording. It always maintains the latest images from a weather camera, earthquake monitoring camera, etc., for a certain time period.
• Text Memo:*2 Up to 100 memos can be posted onto a clip as bookmarks.
• Shot Marker:*2 Used to mark clips as OK, NG, etc.
• CC REC: Records the closed caption signal via the SD SDI input.
• Metadata: Data with information such as operator's name, shooting location, and text memos can be added via an SD memory card.

Diverse Playback Functions

• PB Position Selection: Allows selection of the playback start position when playing back from a thumbnail. The start position can be selected from three options: the end of the previous playback, the time code of the thumbnail position, and the beginning of the clip.
• Repeat Playback: Plays back selected clip(s) (single/multiple) repeatedly.
• Down-conversion: Down-converts HD to SD and outputs an SD signal. There are three aspect ratio conversion modes (FIT-V, FIT-H, and FIT-HV) to choose from. High-Quality 24 bit Audio Recording AVC-Intra and AVC-
• LongG codec support 24 bit/48 kHz four channels digital audio recording*.

User Buttons/User Files

Functions can be freely allocated to the six user buttons. A user file containing the settings can be saved onto an SD/SDHC/SDXC card. Thumbnail, Image, and Waveform Display on an 8.76 cm (3-1/2 inches) LCD.

• Thumbnail Display: Thumbnail images can be freely arranged for display, allowing instant playback, deletion, or copying of selected clips.
• Image Full-Screen Display: Allows use as a recording or preview monitor.
• WFM: Waveform and vectorscope can be displayed for the playback or input video signal on the LCD monitor. It can also display on the HDMI output and SDI output.
• 4:3 MARKER: 4:3 marker can be displayed on the LCD monitor.

USB 3.0 High-Speed Transfer Interface
USB 3.0 (Host): From the microP2/P2 card to external storage,* 1 file can be copied at approximately 12 times normal speed.*2 It can also connect an ordinary USB keyboard for easy metadata text input.

USB 2.0 (Device): Device mode allows use as a P2 card drive for a PC/ Mac (nonlinear editor).
Playback: P2 MXF files on external storage can be displayed as thumbnails and played back.*3 The audio playback is uninterrupted by slow hard disk performance, or when vibration temporarily delays data reading.

3G-SDI Inputs/Outputs
3G-SDI input and 3G-SDI output are standard features. This enables high-quality line recording from a video camera, switcher, etc. When connected to a camera recorder, Rec Start/Stop can be linked to the camera trigger. Super and thumbnail displays can be output.

HDMI Digital HD Input/Output
HDMI input/output terminals, the next-generation HD video-audio interface, are provided. The HDMI input terminal supports HDMI TC input and Rec Start/Stop. HDMI output provides digital output for a wide variety of both professional and consumer devices.

Analog Input/Output
The AJ-PG50 has XLR analog audio inputs (CH 1/CH 2), an analog audio output, and a headphone output jack. Audio can also be monitored from the front speaker.