Norfolk State University Installs Three Hitachi HD Cameras in Its Studio for Student-Produced Programming
WOODBURY, NEW YORK- Norfolk State University (NSU), in Norfolk, VA, installed three new Hitachi SK-HD1000 digital high definition cameras in its television studio, which provides hands-on training to students enrolled in the school's Mass Communication program. The studio, which is part of NSU's School of Liberal Arts, enables students to satisfy media lab requirements and produce their own videos as they work toward a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication.
"Since our students have different levels of technical proficiency, it was critical for us to choose cameras that are extremely easy to operate, maneuver, and maintain," said Michael Matovich, CBT (Certified Broadcast Technologist) and chief video engineer for NSU. "The Hitachi SK-HD1000 is all of those things, plus it produces a fantastic picture. As a state university, all major purchases must go out to bid. The Hitachi SK-HD1000 demonstrated the best price/performance of any camera we considered."
NSU's television studio, which is on-campus in the James A. Bowser Industrial Education Building, has an adjacent control room with a Ross Synergy 2-M/E production switcher and an Inscriber CG, among other gear. While it still operates in SD 4:3/16:9, Matovich said, "We chose Hitachi cameras to lay the groundwork for our eventual transition to 1080i HD production."
The three Hitachi SK-HD1000 cameras, ordered through York Telecom, a N.J.-based systems integrator and equipment dealer with a Richmond, VA office, are positioned on lightweight Vinten pedestals. These broadcast cameras are also outfitted with many Hitachi accessories including five-inch VF-HD500 black/white viewfinders, CU-HD1000 camera control units, and RU-1200JY remote control units.
"What I really love about these cameras is that they're outfitted with Hitachi fiber camera adapters that enable us to use fiber cabling," said Matovich. "A lightweight fiber cable is so much easier to use than heavy, cumbersome triax cable. Our teleprompter also plugs directly into the camera, giving us one less cable to worry about and a much neater camera setup."
According to Lateef Gibson, video producer/director for NSU, "Our students have really embraced these new cameras for their projects, which include music videos, newscasts, and other videos that rely heavily on green or blue screen keying and effects." Student productions are primarily shown on channel 48, the campus television network.
Another factor leading to the selection of Hitachi SK-HD1000's was the studio's positive experience with Hitachi Z-3000's, which worked reliably for years. "The cameras were still operational, but it was just time to begin our migration to HD," Matovich said. "With the Hitachi SK-HD1000's, we're confident we're effectively preparing our students for professional careers in television production."
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2010 (ended March 31, 2011) consolidated revenues totaled 9,315 billion yen ($112.2 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.
Hitachi Kokusai Electric America, Ltd., 150 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797, U.S.A.
Tel: (516) 921-7200; Fax: (516) 496-3718; website: www.hitachikokusai.us
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Hitachi Kokusai Electric America, Ltd.
516.682.4406
emilio.aleman@hitachikokusai.us
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