JVC Professional Products Co. has announced that its GY-DV300 Streamcorder professional camcorder is compatible with Apple’s own QuickTime 6 technology, as well as industry-standard MPEG 4.
The GY-DV300 is billed as the world’s first 3 CCD broadcast-type hand-held camcorder with the ability to record simultaneously to tape and stream QuickTime-compatible MPEG-4 program content.
JVC’s interest in adding QuickTime compatibility to the product was born of customer requests, according to JVC Professional Products Co. Executive Vice President Robert Mueller. “The image quality from the GY-DV300 when viewed with QuickTime 6, is far superior to any other media player,” said Mueller.
QuickTime 6 support is handled through the modular KA-DV300 network package from JVC — a peripheral device that attaches to the bottom of the camcorder and offers slots for a LAN card or CompactFlash card. Bundled with the GY-DV300U or available separately, the network package includes an integrated Web server with user control over camera, lens and VCR functions, as well as live streaming.
The GY-DV300 carries a suggested retail price of about $3,500, while the KA-DV300U network pack adds another $1,300 or so onto the price of the package. Street prices vary dramatically.
JVC said all KA-DV300U network packs shipping after April 1, 2003 will incorporate the QuickTime upgrade. Existing owners will be able to download an update from the JVC Web site. An ISMA compliant version of MPEG-4 will be forthcoming, as well.