Iconix Video, a leading developer of advanced high-definition camera systems and maker of the world‘s smallest professional quality HD video camera, announced today the use of the Iconix HD-RH1 camera system during this year‘s Grammy and Academy Award television broadcasts. The 50th Grammy Awards were broadcast on CBS on Sunday February 10, 2008, and the 80th Academy Awards were broadcast on CBS on February 24, 2008.
Veteran award show Technical Director John B. Field used the Iconix to capture high definition POV footage during the award show telecasts. For the Grammy Awards ceremony, the Iconix was used to capture reverse over-the-hand shots of the Daft Punk musical duo from inside the cockpit of their trademark pyramid during their performance with rap artist Kanye West. For the Academy Awards broadcast, Field employed the Iconix HD-RH1 camera system during the performance of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova‘s “Falling Slowly,” which won the award for Best Song. The Iconix was used to capture a reverse shot of Irglova‘s hands as she played the piano.
“I was very impressed with the high definition quality of this little camera, and will definitely use it again,” Field said. “We‘re very particular about the quality of what we use to put on the air, and I was really, really impressed with what the Iconix offers. One very important feature is that it comes with its own camera control unit, which allows the video operator to easily match the Iconix to our show cameras, and also saves us the cost of using an additional color corrector.”
Field also used the Iconix during the Kennedy Center Honors telecast, which aired on CBS last December. The HD-RH1 camera system was employed during the tribute to Leon Fleisher to capture reverse over-the-hand shots of pianist Jonathan Biss as he performed. “For the Kennedy Center Honors, we used a suction cup to mount the camera to a very expensive piano,” Field explained. “With such a prestigious stage event, we work hard to ensure that the cameras are inconspicuous. The Iconix allowed us to achieve all that, and still get shots otherwise not possible for this type of performance.”
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.