Sinclair Broadcast orders 70+ JVC ProHD cameras

Sinclair Broadcast Group has ordered more than 70 of its new GY-HM890 ProHD shoulder-mount cameras for local news operations. Introduced earlier this month, the GY-HM890 features a built-in streaming engine that allows live HD transmission directly from the camera.

The purchase is the first phase of the company’s planned standardization on the camera across its ENG operations. “JVC’s new GY-HM890 provides us with innovative features that save on operational costs without sacrificing quality,” says Del Parks, senior vice president of engineering and operations, Sinclair Broadcast Group. “The camera also provides built-in live HD streaming, which is the game-changing feature we’ve been waiting for in a full-sized camcorder. JVC has delivered, and we look forward to partnering with them for future product development.”

Sinclair owns or operates 149 stations in 71 markets. With 85 stations producing news, the company already has almost 100 JVC ProHD cameras in the field, including GY-HM790 shoulder-mount and GY-HM650 handheld models. Deliveries of the new GY-HM890s are expected to begin next month, with several cameras slated for WOAI and KABB San Antonio and WJAC Johnstown PA.

When paired with a Verizon 4G LTE modem, which is connected to the camera via USB, the new GY-HM890 transmits HD footage directly to a broadcast facility for live over-the-air or Web distribution (or FTP file transfer). JVC’s Advanced Streaming Technology (AST) provides content-aware error correction, bandwidth shaping, and real-time feedback of streaming status.

The 3-CMOS GY-HM890 features an interchangeable Fujinon 20x autofocus zoom lens, dual SDHC/SDXC card slots for recording HD or SD footage in a variety of native file formats, HD/SD-SDI Pool Feed input, and four-channel audio with two XLR mic/line inputs. Compatible with JVC’s full range of components and accessories, the GY-HM890 is also a versatile studio or multi-camera field production camera, with a 68-pin connection that accommodates JVC fiber or multi-core camera modules.

“Sinclair remains one of the most forward-thinking station groups in the country,” adds Lawrence Librach, vice president, broadcast and public sector, JVC Professional Products. “They recognized our commitment to newsgathering operations with the cost saving features in our previous models. Now, the GY-HM890 will provide even more cost savings as well as versatile news delivery options that are unmatched in the industry.”