"It would have been easy to compromise on picture quality to achieve HD performance at this price level, but the HDW-730S acquires pictures at full 1920 by 1080 resolution, thus avoiding the limitations inherent in lower resolution HD systems."

The compelling benefits of High Definition acquisition are now even more accessible to broadcasters, programme makers and rental facilities with the introduction of the new Sony HDW-730S HDCAM camcorder. Priced below equivalent Digital Betacam camcorders, the HDW-730S provides an ideal entry point to High Definition for European customers working within Standard Definition production budgets.

Designed specifically for mainstream productions, including those by regional broadcasters and corporate programme makers, the HDW-730S is capable of shooting in either 1080/50i or 1080/60i interlaced modes. This flexibility makes the HDW-730S particularly ideal for use on international co-productions or distribution by removing the need to hold separate camcorders for European (50i) and American (60i) projects.

Providing a dramatic step up in quality from SD, High Definition offers added viewer appeal and international marketability as well as enhanced workflow options. High quality rushes acquired with the HDW-730S can be post produced in native HDCAM environments, including those using the Sony XPRI HD-compatible non linear editing system. Alternatively, HD material can be downconverted for post production using existing SD suites, with pictures retaining a dramatically improved on-screen look compared with SD, even after downconversion.

The HDW-730S features three CCD sensors to deliver a signal-to-noise ratio of 54 dB and smear level of -125 dB for crisp, clear picture reproduction. The camcorder's minimum illumination performance of 0.31 lux (extended to 0.003 lux with the optional HKDW 705 Slow Shutter board) is a significant benefit for producers shooting in challenging natural lighting conditions.

An optional HKDW-703 Picture Cache board reduces the risk of missed scenes by continually recording audio-video content into memory. Once the record button is pressed, the preceding 8 seconds of content is automatically recorded onto tape in 50i mode (7 seconds in 60i shooting mode).

The HDW-730S also features Memory Stick compatibility for convenient storage and transfer of set-up parameters - an obvious benefit to busy production teams or rental operations working on several projects simultaneously.

"High Definition already presents a powerful business case thanks to its increased quality, ease of production and suitability for worldwide distribution", comments Peter Sykes, Product Manager, Content Creation Products, Sony Europe. "With the introduction of the HDW 730S, the economics of HD production for mainstream television are even more compelling for organisations facing the continued challenge of delivering multi-format content over multiple platforms.

"It would have been easy to compromise on picture quality to achieve HD performance at this price level," continues Sykes, "but the HDW-730S acquires pictures at full 1920 by 1080 resolution, thus avoiding the limitations inherent in lower resolution HD systems."

The HDW-730S complements the existing high-end Sony HDW-F900H and HDW-750P HDCAM format camcorders that offer even higher imaging performance and additional features. The HDW-F900H and HDW-750P remain the optimum choice for feature film and the highest quality TV drama projects.

First deliveries of the HDW-730S to European customers began in July 2004 with pre-orders in excess of one million euros.