The P2 camera recorders/portable recorders are equipped with a dual codec recording function that simultaneously records images in two clips. The main high-res (high image quality) clip is recorded by an AVC-Intra or AVC-LongG codec, and the sub-clip is a proxy clip with a low data rate. Either the main clip or sub-clip can be selected according to the required image quality and data rate.

P2 Cast enabled P2 camera recorders/portable recorders are provided with a function to upload video while it is being recorded locally. This function automatically uploads clips and data in the background. The clips/data can also be stored in a memory card or played back while the data is transferred. In the event the network connection or power is cut off during the data transfer, the transfer operation resumes immediately after the network connection or power is restored. This allows the camera operators to concentrate on shooting without being bothered by uploading operations.

There are two data uploading modes. In one mode, recorded clips are automatically transferred. The other is a mode that can be used for near live broadcasting. In the near live mode, image data is split into 2 minute files, and those proxy video data files are automatically and sequentially uploaded to the P2 Cast Cloud. The files can be previewed on a WWW browser. After the shooting/recording is finished, the data is merged into one clip on the P2 Cast Cloud.

The P2 camera recorders are designed to accommodate either the AJ-WM50*¹/WM30*¹ wireless module or 4G/LTE modem*2 inside the main unit. Since there is no need for an external transmission device for connection to a network, nimble news gathering is possible.
The P2 camera recorders also have wired LAN connectivity and bonding connectivity. So, the most suitable connection method can be selected according to the available network environment.

*1: Not available in some areas.
*2: For details, refer to “Notes Regarding Network Functions”.

Proxy video data/clips uploaded on the P2 Cast Cloud can be shared by a number of staff members. They can also be accessed from anywhere using a WWW browser on a notebook PC or tablet. There is no limit to the number of users that can be registered. The authority to access individual functions, such as previews, downloading, deletion and metadata registration, can be set for each member. The levels of access authority can be managed in groups.

Using the P2 Cast WWW browser, proxy video being recorded by a news gathering camera recorder can be previewed and EDL data containing IN/OUT points can be created. By sending the EDL to the P2 camera recorder/portable recorder, specified cuts can be made from the main high-res clip and transferred. This data can be uploaded to the P2 Cast Cloud or to a specified server by means of FTP. The Highlight Editing function dramatically reduces the time it takes for previewing, editing and obtaining high-res news image sources.

The P2 Cast WWW browser displays the P2 camera recorder/portable-recorder status (network connection, thumbnails, camera operator, recording condition, media mounting condition, battery power level) for easy confirmation. Using the GPS function* of the camera recorders, the camera recorder locations can be displayed on a map. This allows accurate positioning of the crew members for efficient news gathering.

*When using P2 camera recorders equipped with the GPS function (AJ-PX5000G, AJ-PX270)

Clip metadata (program name, reporter name, reporting date/time, reporting site information, etc.) can be edited using the P2 Cast WWW browser and remotely registered in the video clip recorded by the camera recorder. Creating and managing all metadata in the newsroom ensures higher reliability than when using conventional SD memory cards, and also allows quicker response to changes made immediately before acquisition. News information can also be recorded as metadata when linked with the news system.

The menu setting of the P2 camera recorder/portable recorder can be remotely operated by using the P2 Cast WWW browser. The firmware of the P2 camera recorders/portable recorders can also be updated via P2 Cast. This allows efficient management of many P2 camera recorder/recorder units without omission.

The P2 camera recorders can transmit Full-HD streaming video while shooting and recording. The original QoS (Quality of Service) mode optimizes the bitrate according to the condition of the communication line so that stable streaming distribution can be maintained even when the communication band narrows.
A server installed with the P2 Streaming Server software (for Windows; Mac not supported) is used as the receiver server. The GUI is designed for intuitive operation, and a variety of input and output terminals are provided for added versatility.
Although the P2SS can be used as a dedicated system for streaming distribution, combining it with P2 Cast provides greater benefits in equipment operation, such as IP connection setting and camera recorder management.

P2 Cast Bridge is plug-in software that directly connects P2 Cast to nonlinear editor, News Automation, and Media Asset Management systems. This makes it possible for nonlinear editors to directly access and edit proxy video data on the P2 Cast Cloud. By connecting the News Automation and Media Asset Management systems to P2 Cast, the link with video footage and equipment is further enhanced without having to change the station’s existing workflow.
Panasonic also supplies each partner company with a P2 Cast Web API (SDK) for smooth development of supporting P2 Cast cloud. This supports P2 Cast for more systems and more users.

P2 Cast Mobile is an app that allows the use of videos recorded by smartphones as news footage. If an unexpected event occurs, a smartphone can be used to quickly capture the scene for use as a news image source. While the smartphone is capturing the image, P2 Cast Mobile uploads the image data to P2 Cast or transmits streaming data to the P2SS. It also supports P2 Cast Highlight Editing and metadata editing. Clips recorded by the app can be saved on the iPhone’s camera roll.

*See the following App Store for information on the P2 Cast Mobile operating environment.
• App Store is a registered service mark of Apple Inc.
• iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.

Panasonic has established specifications in partnership with LiveU and TVU Networks. By combining the devices offered by the two companies with a news gathering camera recorder, data can be transmitted concurrently over multiple lines (bonding). This achieves more stable live streaming of high-quality image data to the P2SS. It also improves the transfer speed and stability when uploading proxy clip files or Highlight files to P2 Cast. In addition, the LiveU/TVU device status is displayed in the camera’s viewfinder for real-time confirmation of the network connection condition.