Santa Barbara, CA: January 22, 2008--Iconix Video, manufacturer of the world‘s smallest professional quality HD video camera, today announced the use of the HD-RH1 camera system to capture high definition caving footage for Discovery Channel‘s popular series, “Dirty Jobs.” “Dirty Jobs” airs Tuesdays at 9PM ET/PT on the Discovery Channel.
For the upcoming “Cave Biologist” episode (airing January 22), “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe took an exploratory trip with members of the American Cave Conservation Association deep inside Kentucky‘s Hidden River Cave. The HD-RH1 camera system allowed the “Dirty Jobs” production crew to acquire high definition footage from within the intricate cave system, including areas that could be accessed only on hands and knees.
“Dirty Jobs” DP Douglas Glover wrapped the Iconix in a plastic trash bag and rigged it with a small light for Rowe to carry as he crawled through the mud. At one point the intrepid host became stuck inside the network of caves and, unable to turn around, shoved the camera into the mud, turning the camera lens on himself in order to capture footage of his plight.
“Working on ‘Dirty Jobs‘ we never know exactly what to expect,” Glover commented. “There are always going to be potentially small, cramped, and very difficult to shoot situations, so it‘s crucial to have equipment that allows us to operate under those conditions. The Iconix is something I always want to have with me just as an additional tool.”
For a separate caving episode, Glover rigged the HD-RH1 camera system with a Panasonic DVCPRO P2 deck into a backpack for Rowe to wear as he rappelled down the side of a cave in order to clear out debris caught in rocks and vegetation. “There was absolutely no other way to get the shot,” Glover explained. “With all the plants and rock formations, it just wasn‘t possible to capture Mike on film as he descended into that hole. It was a little scary for him to rappel down into the cave with 40 pounds strapped to his back, but it worked out very well in the end. We couldn‘t have done it without the Iconix.”
A first for a camera this size, the HD-RH1 system can capture and output video in both NTSC and PAL formats in all HD resolutions, including 720p, 1080i and 1080p while supporting frame rates of 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 frames-per-second (fps).
The HD-RH1 incorporates an expansive array of features found only on top-of-the-line HD ENG and EFP camera systems while utilizing an innovative signal processing architecture. This POV camera system, which includes a very robust separate camera head and processing controller unit, is the smallest high performance HD camera in the industry. The lightweight HD-RH1 remote camera system is comprised of a 1.32” x 1.50” x 1.92” POV camera head weighing 2.5 oz.; a 3.5 lb. universal HDTV controller unit measuring 8.4” x 1.8” x 12”; power supply, and 3, 6 and 10 meter cables.
About Iconix Video, Inc.
Iconix Video, Inc. develops high performance, high functionality and small form factor POV (point-of-view) HD cameras for use in broadcast, film, military, security and scientific markets. The company‘s first product, the HD-RH1 remote head camera system, is the only 3 CCD camera of its size, weight, versatility, and performance that rivals ENG, EFP and HD studio level cameras at a fraction of the cost. Iconix Video was founded in 2003, and is based in Santa Barbara, Calif. For more information, visit www.iconixvideo.com.