Las Vegas, Nevada (NAB April 6-10, 1997) - JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY is marking the 70th anniversary of its parent company, the Victor Company of Japan, and the 25th anniversary of JVC Professional in America.
Founded as the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1927, the company initially made its name in the audio field, and rapidly expanded into video. JVC developed Japan's first practical television in 1939, establishing itself as a leader in technological innovation. Historical Achievements.
JVC's 70 years have been marked by many technological innovations and groundbreaking product introductions. In 1959, JVC developed the forerunner of today's VCR when it launched the KV-1, the world's first two-head helical-scan VTR. The 2 head helical scanning system is now used in virtually every analog video recorder in the world; a color version of the KV-1 made its debut in 1960.
In 1963, JVC developed and marketed the smallest two-head, 1-inch VTR with a built-in TV monitor. The company introduced the color video cartridge recorder, the prototype of today's U-Format VCR, in 1966.
In 1969, JVC invented the "color under" color recording method used in U-Format, 8mm video, Hi-8, VHS and S-VHS. The process was an important step in making color VCRs affordable.
A VCR incorporating a tuner and timer was introduced by JVC in 1972. Two years later, the company developed the world's first color portable VTR system and the world's first 3/4-inch U-Format VCR with noiseless still and pause functions.
One of the biggest milestones in JVC's history was its introduction of the VHS format in 1976 which launched the global video revolution. A decade later, the company received an Emmy Award for its achievements.
In 1980, JVC's KY-2000, the first in a series of three-tube KY professional cameras priced for the emerging industrial video market, debuted. The KY-2000 began the industry trend of affordable, three- tube cameras.
JVC marketed a professional VHS recorder and player in 1981. Two years later the company introduced the VHS-C format and unveiled the HR-C3U portable, dockable, camera/recorder combination.
The company continued to improve its U-Format technology and expand its product line, marketing the first High-Band 3/4-inch VCRs with EBU time code capability in 1984 in Europe.
In 1987, JVC launched the revolutionary S-VHS format, the most widely used industrial format and the preferred standard replacement for the U-Format. JVC realized when it introduced S-VHS that it was much more than just an upgraded version of VHS. It was superior to existing professional systems, such as the 3/4-inch U-VCR and offered more economy, portability, 1-piece camcorders and longer running time. This important development opened new doors to corporate, industrial and educational videographers, who could now afford the investment necessary to shoot and edit in a convenient, professional format.
In 1992, JVC introduced its KY-27 camera with LoLux, starting a trend in low-light cameras. Three years later the company developed the world's first pocket-sized camcorder, the GR-DV1 Digital Cybercam. Current Achievements.
Just last year JVC made another technological breakthrough with the launch of Digital-S, a 4:2:2, 8-bit component digital format which was immediately adopted by Fox News Channel and Fox SportsNet as their house videotape format. While the format continues rapid integration into the broadcasting, corporate video and post production markets, JVC is rolling out product line extensions aimed at upper and lower ends of the spectrum: the 4-channel and 2x transfer machines are feature-rich for high-end production; the BR- D750 editing recorder and BR-D350 player are streamlined for cost- efficiency.
This year, JVC will continue its leadership position in 3-chip cameras with the introduction of the KY-D29 digital signal processing camera. This remarkable camera is one of the highest sensitivity cameras ever developed, shooting in light as low as 0.35 lux and achieving an incredible sensitivity of F11 at 2,000 lux.
The MW-S1000, JVC's non-linear editing system, will also be unveiled this year. This system offers high-quality, powerful editing in a single box, and is "real time, all the time."
Seventy years after its founding, JVC maintains its global reputation as an innovator in the video industry developing products which expand the boundaries of video technology. JVC is committed to meeting the changing demands of today's video professionals while introducing new users to the marketplace.
JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, based in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, distributes a complete line of broadcast and professional equipment including cameras, recorders, monitors, projectors and editing products. For more information about the BR-D40 and other Digital-S products, visit the JVC PROFESSIONAL web site at www.jvcpro.com, or call David Walton at 1-800-JVC-5825.