Clemson University, Division 1 college football 2017 national champions, is increasing its complement of Panasonic production cameras with an incremental purchase of Panasonic AK-HC5000 4X high-speed 1080p camera systems. Already equipped with two HC5000s, the Clemson University Athletics Department is taking delivery of seven additional cameras, all in full studio configuration, this summer.
This purchase occurs during Phase Two of Clemson’s three-phase build-out leading up to the launch of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) linear television network in August 2019.
According to Assistant Athletic Director/Video and Technology Rick Bagby, the investment in multiple HC5000s to cover live sporting events is a key component of Clemson’s ramp-up for the debut of the ACC Network. (When the new Network—a partnership with ESPN-- premieres, it will feature 450 exclusive live events, including 40 regular-season football games and more than 150 men's and women's basketball games.) Bagby said he plans to invest in up to three more HC5000s in Phase Three next spring.
The fast, high-resolution HC5000, capable of high-speed output up to 1080/239.76p, incorporates new 2/3” 2.2M 3-CMOS sensors with high sensitivity (F11/2000lx), low noise (S/N 60dB+), and resolution measured at 1100 TV lines. The HC5000’s system components include the AK-UCU500 CCU, which provides power up to 6600 feet over standard SMPTE fiber along with IP streaming video feature; the AK-HRP1000 Remote Operation Panel, featuring PoE+ power and PTZ camera control capabilities; the AK-HBU500 studio build-up kit for integration with long field lenses; and AK-HVF100 9-inch, Full-HD LCD viewfinder. All of Clemson’s HC5000s are fully configured with these components.
Bagby said he had invested in the HC5000 model based on its 240fps capability, easy set up, and the camera’s ability to send/receive audio, facilitating live interviews.
Until the ACC Network launch, Bagby will continue to produce live sports coverage for digital channel ACC Network Extra with the HC5000s. The cameras are available to cover events in eight campus athletic facilities. Bagby currently shoots 720p, but will migrate to 1080p once Phase Two is completed this summer.
Clemson Athletics also has a VariCam HS (high-speed) camera/recorder that is utilized for “non-live” field production. Other recent Panasonic purchases include two AW-HR140 outdoor integrated pan/tilt/zoom remote cameras and an AK-UB300 4K multipurpose camera, both used in the Doug Kingsmore (baseball) Stadium. The HR140s are mounted on each dugout and provide side views of the batters’ box and the pitching mound, and the UB300 is mounted atop the Batters Eye in Center Field directly in line with the pitcher and home plate. The UB300 provides replays of pitch location, and 360 degree beauty shots of the Athletic District that will be used during broadcasts of football, basketball and baseball.
Bagby is also using AW-HE130 FHD PTZ cameras for basketball and volleyball coverage. In Littlejohn Coliseum (basketball), an HE130 hangs over midcourt under the center-hung video board. The PTZ is manned and shoots game action for broadcasts along with fan shots for video board productions. In Jervey Gym (volleyball), the HE130 is located in the ceiling at the end of the court, providing the end-line shot for broadcast.
For more information about Clemson Athletics, visit www.clemsontigers.com .
