Philadelphia-based Next Level Video Adds JVC Sports Production Streaming Camcorder

JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, announced Next Level Video, a Philadelphia-based sports video production company, is using two GY-HM200SP 4KCAM sports production streaming camcorders to produce high-quality game coverage of youth lacrosse and soccer for its clients. The new camcorders allow a single operator to shoot, insert score graphics, record, and stream a match live directly from the camcorder.

unnamed-14Designed for single-camera game coverage, the GY-HM200SP produces a real-time score overlay on recorded or streamed HD video output without an external CG or production switcher. As a result, NLV does not have to insert score graphics in post or coordinate graphics with a content delivery network (CDN) during live streaming.

“It’s great for overlaying the score, and it saves us time,” explains John Peruso, president of Next Level Video.

NLV began using the embedded score panel graphics with live video-over-IP productions in May during the Inter-Ac Challenge quarterfinals and semifinals in Pennsylvania.

“I received several emails and comments from viewers during our live streams commenting about how great the picture looked,” continues Peruso.

Live streaming from tournaments used to be more complicated, Peruso explains, because it required the camera operator to locate external power, setup a laptop computer, connect it to the camera, and manage access to the streaming site — often in less than favorable weather conditions. Now, the JVC GY-HM200SP with Zixi Advanced Streaming Technology uses Wi-Fi or 4G LTE connectivity via a USB dongle or hotspot, allowing NLV to seamlessly deliver video-over-IP HD transmission to websites and CDNs.

“It’s simplified our productions. One person can control it,” Peruso says. “We don’t have to worry about wires or computers or keeping them dry. It was a no-brainer.”

unnamed-13Established in 2010, NLV primarily covers tournaments and showcases in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, with occasional events in the South and Midwest. The company already had a number of JVC GY-HM100, GY-HM150, and GY-HM70 ProHD cameras before it purchased two GY-HM200SPs in April.

Peruso praised the GY-HM200SP for its long battery life and picture quality, as well as its dual SDHC/SDXC memory card slots that allow simultaneous recording of backup copies of tournament footage. “This camera was designed with sports in mind,” he adds. “It’s really simple to use. You can become a one-man band, but it looks like you have a full production team.”

With its 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS imager, the GY-HM200SP delivers 4K Ultra HD, 4:2:2 Full HD (50 Mbps), and SD footage. Its built-in 12x zoom lens features an optical image stabilizer and 24x dynamic zoom (in HD mode). Other features an integrated handle with hot shoe and dedicated microphone mount, dual XLR audio inputs that are mic/line switchable with built-in phantom power, and SDI and HDMI video outputs.

Password must contain the following:

A lowercase letter

A capital (uppercase) letter

A number

Minimum 8 characters