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Format-IT Wars 2007
2007 marks the sixth
year of my “Format War” series, and you may find it as interesting as I
did in reviewing that period. The only thing that remains constant is
change! This fact seems to be finally catching up to BetacamSP format.
Never in the history of television did one format have such a product
life. I doubt that any investment in any product line will ever gain
such a return. A good part of this is due to the networks that are
still using this format almost exclusively for ENG / EFP applications.
We continually purchase parts cameras to help us with troubleshooting
the ever aging fleet of camcorders and decks in the field, and we still
have had no problems getting parts from Sony for Betacams. What have
dried up are printed circuit board replacements, of which we usually
make component level repairs to, instead of replacing. By the way, I
plan to write an update on the “Attack of the Killer Capacitors” article
in the near future.
In 2004, we began
maintaining other popular tape formats, along with performing camera
alignment set-ups on all the new HD camcorders. While each one involved
an investment on our part with new jigs, test equipment, spare parts and
factory training, it has paid off.
As you probably
know, I am able to report what our client base has been purchasing for
new camcorders by the amount of “New Camera Set-ups” we perform. With
close to 2,600 clients, it is a good cross section of the broadcast
market. While the quantity of new cameras purchased last year was about
the same and 2006, we did see a 147% increase in HD, verses a 55% drop
in SD camera purchases. Panasonic, which accounted for 90% in 2006,
has dropped to 65% in 2007. Sony, on the other hand, increased from
10% to 35% of purchases in 2007.
Sony purchases
included the XDCAM and HDXDCAM, as well as the HDW and Cinealta
camcorders, with a 360% increase. Panasonics included the HD P2
models, as well as the AJ-HDX900 and the Varicam, with an overall 28%
decrease in total number.
The IT, or tapeless
formats, increased from 10% to 30 % in 2007. That’s a big jump, and
it’s due to TV stations and news outlets mostly. While most are HD
models, they are airing video in the SD mode.
It is truly
difficult to predict if the memory card storage will win out over the
optical disk. Unfortunately, Sony to date has not shipped any 2/3 inch
versions of its HDXDCAM format, only the ˝ inch ones. The lenses for
the 2/3 inch versions are the industry standard in the rental sector,
and with most HD shooters. With the less expensive optical disk
media, sales could take off with a 2/3 inch version. Time will tell.
As to which was the
most popular, the Panasonic AJ-HDX900 led the pack, with the Sony
HDXDCAM second, and the HDW models third. I was surprised at how many
of the new F900R models came through the shop.
The amount of
pre-owned camera sales, was unchanged from the previous year. The
majority of sales were with the Panasonic Varicam, and the AJ-SDX900
camcorders, and Sony DXC-D50 dockable SD cameras.
Videotape camcorder
and deck service numbers showed that Betacam has slipped to 40% from 48%
in 2006, and 52% in 2005. Breaking down the rest: HDCAM up 500%,
DVCPROHD up 185%, DVCAM up 130%, DVCPRO 25-50 down 30% and Digibeta
service down 55% since 2006.
We have also worked
with a number of news organizations that are purchasing dozens of new HD
camcorders, and want them set-up and matched. So far we have been able
to satisfy their needs cost effectively. If this is of interest
please contact us.
Another thing I
found very interesting with our business, is the demand for higher
quality images from the new HD cameras. I have been blessed to be
involved with a number of HD shoots for the Food Network, ESPN
Entertainment and PBS, with a cooking show series. It was a true
learning/relearning experience to actually go out into the field with
some of the cameras we set-up in the shop. If you haven’t read them,
please check out my On the Road Again with Roger newsletter series. I
am working on another in the series, with what I learned as I worked as
video engineer for PBS with the “Cooks Country” series that will air in
mid 2008. Taking these assignments has been a test for our company, to
check out the demand for such services. I have been receiving inquires
for future shows, which could develop into a future business model for
Macie Video Service. Again time will tell.
The other reason for
taking such work is to increase my knowledge, and then share what I
learn with our clients and the broadcast industry. As many of you know,
as far back a six years ago, I expressed an interest in creating a
training video series. I am closer than ever before, and should start
work on it once we overhaul our
www.broadcastvideo.com site. Our goal for that is now early to mid
2008. Stay tuned.
Again, I want to
thank you all for supporting Macie Video Service with your maintenance
needs and referrals. Have a great, blessed 2008.
Roger
For a complete list
of previous newsletters,
click here. Or go to our homepage:
www.macievideo.com
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