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Volume +/ buttons page 5 Remote Control sensor
Standby/Off Timer indicator pages 5, 68
Input Select button page 23
Text Memory indicator page 19
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Subtitle button page 22

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Registered Program button page 20
Power Saving button page 8
Favorite Picture button page 6

Memo button page 15

V/v/B/b/ 11 26

Index button page 14

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Enlarge pages 11, 26
Input Select buttons page 23 Video button Component button Muse button AV Multi button
Picture-and-Picture/Left/Right Picture Operation buttons pages 11 12
Channel Number buttons page 5

BS 5 33

BS (Broadcast Satellite) Channel buttons pages 5, 33

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Wide Mode Select button page 10
BS Recording button page 33

32 29

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Sony online

Printed in Japan

NEWSLETTER OF THE AUSTRALIAN WIDESCREEN ASSOCIATION NOV 99-JAN 00 VOL. 27 NO.5 ISSUE 152 99-
NEW MELBOURNE MEETING PLACE
We are very pleased to announce that we have found a new meeting place for A.W.A. in Melbourne.
It is the Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning Centre, 49 Ashburn Grove, cnr Alamein Avenue Ashburton, Vic. Melways Ref 60 D11. It is directly across the road from Alamein Station. We are able to still meet on the 4th Tuesdays of the month, and the room can accommodate up to about 40 people if required. There is some off-street parking and Alamein Avenue is also a quiet street to park on. The centre has a kitchen and toilets, all under the one roof, and heating and cooling are included in the most reasonable cost. The room does not have projection facilities of course, but we have permission to leave equipment in a trolley on castors which will double as a projection stand. We are very happy to have a 'home' once more, and every member is invited along to our first meeting of 2000 on Tuesday 22nd February, to see the new facilities and enjoy Brian's widescreen audio-visual presentations.

IN THIS ISSUE

New Home for the AWA... 1 India joins the DVB-T System.. 3 More Sports in HDTV Scheduled by CBS.. 3 Pioneer Introduces the Industry's First DVD Recorder.. 4 Digital TV ExplainedYour Questions Answered. 7 Video Games go Widescreen.. 9 Over Canada Shot in HD for Expo 2000.. 10 Pan Horama 1999, Imatra Finland Report... 12 29th Widescreen Festival Results... 12
If undeliverable please return to: Australian Widescreen Association Box 292 Mooroolbark VIC 3138 AUSTRALIA

REGULAR FEATURES

From the President..2 From the Secretary..2 Coming Events, & Information13

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The last committee meeting highlighted our need to find a new venue for A.W.A. Brian had spent quite some effort in this regard, and presented a list of venues and hire fees to the committee. Thanks Brian. Graham and I had also investigated various options, and I am very pleased to inform you that we have found a new venue at the Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning Centre. More details elsewhere in this issue. Another issue brought up was the proposal that we should discontinue the International Widescreen Festival. The entries over the last two years have fallen, and the member also stated that they were not all

LES RECHTER

up to the standard required. To abandon the Festival would also mean the loss the Wide Slide Competition as well as the films and videos. Members input concerning this issue would be most welcome. Wishing all a Happy and Healthy New Year. PS Why not expose that film you have in store before Kodak makes a change to their processing commitment?
2000 AWA COMMITTEE & MEETING INFORMATION
PRESIDENT Les Recher VICE PRESIDENT Grahame Smythe SECRETARY/SCOPE EDITOR Tony Andrews FESTIVAL DIRECTOR Leigh Ward COMMITTEE MEMBERS Brian Beatty, Harvey Hutchison, Rodney Bourke The Australian Widescreen Association meets, unless otherwise advised, at Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning Centre, 49 Ashburn Grove, cnr Alamein Avenue Ashburton, Vic. (Melways Ref 60 D11) on the fourth Tuesday of February to November. From May to Sept, meetings start at 7.30pm, other months at 8pm. Visitors and new members are always most welcome. Scope is the official newsletter of the Australian Widescreen Association and is published five times a year in Feb, Apr, June, Sep & Nov. Items for inclusion are welcome and should reach the editor no later than the start of the month of publication. Opinions expressed are those of the Editor or contributors, and unless expressly stated so, are not necessarily those of the Australian Widescreen Association. Items about equipment or services are for readers' information and do not in any way imply endorsement. Permissions & Reprints. Original material in this publication may be reproduced in other free movie club newsletters, with an appropriate acknowledgement. [Reprinted courtesy of Australian Widescreen Association]. All other media publications, please contact Tony Andrews, Scope Editor, for permission. (See page 2 for contact details)

FROM THE SECRETARY

The year 2000 represents the 27th year of AWA's existence. Many friendships have been forged and endured over this time. Some of the founder members are still members of the club, and many others have maintained their membership for most of the club's existence. Many movie clubs are struggling to survive in a world with so many choices for leisure time. In their heyday in the fifties and sixties, movie-making with film was amongst the most technical hobbies available in what seemed a much simpler world. Nowadays we are surrounded by electronics and film has largely given way to video. However the same rules of story-telling apply and huge satisfaction can be gained from applying ones-self to making an entertaining movie or slide presentation out of the raw material gathered. Even before AWA was founded, there was an annual Festival of widescreen films held so that enthusiasts could participate and in doing so improve their own techniques and see what others were producing. Unfortunately in recent years the participation rate has fallen so low that the ability to continue to Festival is seriously called into question. If it ceases, then it will join many other Festivals which have lapsed through lack of interest. This would be a shame but the answer lies solely in the hands of the members. What is required is a commitment from each member to produce just one entry in the next nine months which is of 'competition standard'. If this happens, then the Festival has a future. If not, then we will each be partly responsible for its demise.
HOW TO JOIN THE AUSTRALIAN WIDESCREEN ASSOCIATION
1. Fill out the form 2. Mail it with your membership fee to: Australian Widescreen Association Attn: The Secretary Box 292 Mooroolbark, VIC 3138 AUSTRALIA scope@netcore.com.au Name Address City/State Postal Code/Country Tel/Fax/e-mail 2000 Yearly Membership Rates: Melbourne Metro; $18. Other Places in Australia $8. Overseas Countries (By Airmail) AUD$10. (or foreign currency equivalent) Membership includes 5 issues of Scope a year and the availability of placing advertisements in Scope subject to space being available. Also a yearly members roster including addresses, and entry to all AWA competitions.
AUSTRALIAN WIDESCREEN ASSOCIATION

HOW TO CONTACT US

Australia Widescreen Association Box 292 Mooroolbark VIC 3138 AUSTRALIA TEL: Secretary/Scope Editor Tony Andrews Tel 03-9739-6960 E-MAIL: scope@netcore.com.au http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/coralsea/awa.htm WEB:

NOV 99-JAN 2000

99-JAN 2000

(Continued from page 13)

presents some more of his fabulous Widescreen Audio-visuals in 3-D Call Les on if you are attending. Seating is limited. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO MARKET SUNDAY 5TH MARCH at the Camberwell Centre in Melbourne. 9am to 3pm, admission $3. Another market will be held at the same place on 8th October - put it in your diary. ALL CLUBS NIGHT AT RINGWOOD MOVIE CLUB Fri 17th March. The intention is to show films in standard 8, super 8 9.5mm and also widescreen, and we hope
to be a part of it. All members are welcome to attend. More details in our next issue. FILM BUFF'S WEEKEND 25-26TH MARCH IN MELBOURNE - tours, swapmeet and auction. Contact Mike Trickett on 5278 1986. SCI-FI MOVIE FAIR 5TH APRIL, Hawthorn Town Hall, Melbourne. SYDNEY CAMERA MARKET SATURDAY 6TH MAY at Ultimo Community Centre, 40 William-Henry St Ultimo, 10am to 3pm. Admission $2 (half to the Sydney City Mission)

FROM SCOPE EDITOR

This issue of 'Scope' represents the fifth issue for the 1999 calendar year, and five issues will appear for the year 2000. I apologise for the delays in the issues towards the end of the year and will endeavour to see that the five issues for the year 2000 appear on time. Once again I must

TONY ANDREWS

point out that the delays were not the fault of Tony Rees who has as always provided some excellent support and articles for this issue.
DVB-T CHOSEN FOR DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL BROADCASTINGINDIA DVBThe Government of India has decided to adopt DVB-T for digital terrestrial broadcasting in India. The decision follows the unanimous recommendation by a core group that was formed in November 1998 for the selection of a digital television standard. Chief engineer of DD1 Doordarshan B. K De, who is chairman of the core group, has indicated that the public broadcaster will implement digital services at the earliest opportunity, but the introduction will be in a phased manner. Services are being proposed as a multiplex of five to six services, including data services to provide coverage to the four metropolitan areas of Calcutta, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai. A pilot scheme to assist the planning is to be initiated in Delhi by the end of this year.
Where is The Good Looking Australian?
The Good Looking Australian series was screened on ABC-TV in 1973~1974. The episodes featured Australians from all walks of life. I am interested in two of these titled: Navy Officer and Navy Cook. These were filmed on the warship HMAS Brisbane in 1973, originally on B/W 16mm film and approx. 1 minute in length.

Captain Peter M Rees RAN, one of the Good looking
MORE SPORTS IN HDTV SCHEDULED BY CBS
Contact: Tony Rees Box 358 Carina Brisbane QLD 4152 AUSTRALIA Tel 04-0735-5064 Fax 07-3216-8327 e-mail coralsea@csi.com
If anyone can help, or can advise me on where to search, please let me know!
CBS and Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America (MDEA) have entered into an agreement in which MDEA will underwrite the costs associated with producing highdefinition coverage of the semi-finals and finals of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships. CBS Sports will produce 18 hours of the U.S. Open for HDTV broadcasts on 10-12 September. The live HD telecasts will be produced and transmitted independent of the network's analog broadcast coverage.
MDEA previously had agreed to underwrite the HD productions of CBS prime-time programming. Fourteen of CBS' owned stations are broadcasting in digital, covering about 30 percent of the nation. By 1 November, the network expects to be transmitting digital programming across more than 40 owned and affiliated stations, reaching more than 50 percent of the country. All HDTV programming on CBS will be broadcast in 1080i format.
PIONEER INTRODUCES THE INDUSTRY'S FIRST DVD RECORDER
Tokyo, Japan, November 25, 1999 Pioneer Corporation announced its introduction of the industry's first consumeruse DVD Recorder to the Japanese domestic market. Recently, DVD is finding wider applications in various fields such as Audio/Visual equipment, car navigation, and PC-use ROMs. DVD-Video players in particular have experienced rapid growth since their introduction in November 1996, with annual shipments in 1999 expected to reach 5 million units worldwide. In addition to their excellent image and sound quality, DVD discs require less space, remain virtually intact over along period of time, and have random access and other features to increase ease of operation. Pioneer proposed the development of this re-recordable disc medium, DVDRW, which has undergone examination by the DVD Forum. By combining this technology with the Video Recording Format --- a specification established by this Forum --Pioneer developed the DVR-1000 DVD recorder. With an array of superb features only possible with a disc medium, the DVR1000 brings to users new ways of enjoying Audio/Visual equipment. "Videotapes are for recording, while optical discs are for playback purposes" was the premise: Pioneer, however, by developing the DVD recorder, has realized the long-awaited dream of recording images on discs. In the audio field, recordable discs, such as MD and CD-R/RW, are growing rapidly, and also in the world of Audio/Visual equipment, a revolutionary switch from tape to disc is expected in the near future. Pioneer's goal is to become a leader in the DVD field by expanding its DVDproduct lineup. At the same time, Pioneer

MUSIC COPYRIGHT

Further to the report in the last issue of "Scope" - the exact details of this licensing system have not yet been finalised, so members are asked not to send their money in with subscription renewals as was previously requested. As soon as further information comes to hand it will be published in 'Scope'.
RECENT MEETINGS & COMING EVENTS
TUESDAY 23RD NOVEMBER - ALL CLUBS PRE CHRISTMAS DINNER AND MOVIE COMPETITION - A NEW VENTURE BY F.A.M.M. Pioneers DVR-1000 recordable DVD unit debuted in Tokyo in Dec 1999 with a list price of 250,000. DVD-RW disks list at 3,000. (Jan 00 rate @ 70 AUD$) will ask the member companies of the DVD Forum to adopt Pioneer's technology as the de facto standard for DVD recorders. Furthermore, the world's major hardware and media manufacturers have declared their support for this outstanding concept. Simultaneous with the release of the DVR-1000, Pioneer will also market a rerecordable disc, the DVS-RW47. Companies that have announced their support for the DVD-RW concept: Kenwood Corporation, Sharp Corporation, TDK Corporation, Victor Company of Japan Ltd. , Hitachi Maxell Ltd. , Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Mitsubishi Electronic Corporation, Ricoh Co. Ltd. , Pioneer Video Corporation. DVS-RW47 DVD-RW Blank Disc The DVS-RW47 is a re-recordable blank disc that follows the DVD-RW specification set by the DVD Forum. The disc has an enormous memory capacity of 4. 7Gbytes, which is the same as that of a single-sided, single layer DVD-Video disc. A full 2 hours of high-quality video signal recording in SP (standard) mode and a
Some months ago a resolution was made by the Vic Division committee to institute a new competition to draw the clubs closer together in movie-making and socialising. This came to fruition in November when seventy movie-makers and friends gathered at the Knox Club in Wantirna, Melbourne, for the inaugural "Victoria Competition" and pre-Christmas Dinner. All agreed that it was an outstanding success as we took over the spacious 'Elms Room' which was divided into a Dining Area and Theatrette. Knox turned on an excellent carvery dinner with all the trimmings, whist FAMM supplemented the drinks. The Theatrette left nothing to be desired thanks mainly to Don Hawkins; elevated control console at the rear with lighted positions for the judges and outstanding video projection courtesy Merv Thomas. All entries had been digitally copied to master tape for quality presentation. The programme was introduced by FAMM Vic Div President Vic Guihenneuc. Clubs were entitled to submit three entries not previously shown outside their club, to a total of twenty minutes. This resulted in twelve entries for the evening.

The three outside judges - Adrian Cook, Laurie Dunn and Bill Sneazwell had a difficult task but did their job well. Third Place was taken out by the Ringwood Film and Video Makers with "The Fool Dollar", and accepted by Jack Vaux. Second Place also went to Ringwood with "Horatio's House" by Margaret Hawkins. First Place and Best Victorian Movie Maker was Don Hawkins of Oakleigh Movie Makers, with "The Brochure Said". Congratulations to these three winners who were presented with very handsome trophies. As each of the remaining entries represented the best movies from their club, each movie maker was presented with a certificate to acknowledge this fact. The President thanked all concerned but particularly Don Hawkins for his technical set-up and Secretary John Stevenson for his efficient organisation. The very happy night concluded with much applause and an unanimous wish that is should be repeated in the year 2000. Graham Smythe COMING EVENTS MONTHLY MEETING - TUESDAY 22ND FEBRUARY AGM AND THEN " T H E G.S.T." BY BRIAN BEATTY to be held at Les Rechter's house, commencing at 8pm. "GST"? You say - has Brian become an accountant? No, in this case GST stands for "Grand Stereoscopic Tour" as Brian
PAN HORAMA 1999 IN IMATRA FINLAND
The results of the PAN HORAMA 1999 includes AWA member Brian Beatty being awarded a TechnoPan panoramic camera for his success in this year's exhibition. The camera is designed and made by Rainer Lampinen, Chairman of PAN HORAMA. When Brian was in Finland in 1993, he saw the results of this 35mm panoramic camera and reports that it has an excellent quality lens and a variety of shutter speeds from 1/2 sec to 1/250 sec. The format is 24mm x 58mm - similar to the Widelux, with a 120 degree view. Brian promises to bring the camera along to an AWA meeting once he receives it. Brian was given the highest award for Panoramic Photography in 1998, and made an Honorary Master of Panoramic Art. In 1992, he was awarded a Finnair Ticket to attend PAN HORAMA the following year. Photographers from America, Russia, Estonia, Europe, Asia and Australia have entered panoramic photos over the last eleven years of this annual event. Although the exhibition is mainly panoramic prints, Brian has always entered 3-D panoramas, first in the anaglyph print form, but more recently as slides especially mounted to be seen in a 3-D viewer, which is a far superior way to see 3-D pans! At a future AWA meeting, Brian will show some of his slides sent to PAN HORAMA when he presents a 3-D Audio/Visual.

maximum of 6 hours in MN (manual) mode can be made using the DVR-1000. Although in the past, numerous re-recordings and playbacks have caused rapid deterioration of image quality, the DVS-RW47 uses materials that are highly resistant to deterioration. Other Features 1. Legato Link 96kHz/24bit Twin-DAC for high-quality audio reproduction. 2. Component Video Output Terminals for direct video output (Y, PB, PR). 3. DTS (Digital Theater Systems) Digital Audio Stream Output. ("DTS" is a trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. ) 4. 4-step fast-forward/reverse (scan)/ chapter title skip function. 5. Slow (4-step forward, 2-step reverse), Repeat, Program Replay functions. 6. Introduction Replay Function for a 5second replay of title chapters. 7. Commercial Skip Function for a 30second sequence skip (manual, maximum of a total of 4-minutes --- 30 seconds x 8 times). 8. Timer Recording for a maximum of 8 programs to be recorded up to one month in advance. 9. G-code Timer Recording.
29TH ANNUAL WIDESCREEN FESTIVAL
The Movie Competition consisted of four films and two videos. The winning film MY GARDEN by Les Rechter was made as a tribute to his wife Lila a very keen gardener who passed away early in 1999. We congratulate Les on this being the second consecutive year that he has won the competition. Second place also went to Les for MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE. Both films were on super 8 2.33:1 ratio. Andrew Neugebauer of NSW entered a film called SYDNEY IN NEON which came third. As the name suggests it was shot at night and was projected as a masked format of 2:1 ratio. Rodney Bourke entered ELIZABETH STREET WALK on Standard 8 2:1 ratio. Rodney also entered a video WIDESCREEN TV'S which was shot at an electronics show. The next generation of televisions will be 16:9 ratio and although currently slow to take off in Australia, this is the format of the future. Showing that his enthusiasm has been passed on to his daughter, the final video FAMILY OF THE APES was produced by six year-old Josephine Bourke. The Slide competition had a mixture of formats. Best Set "England" was won by Frank Lowe of England using the APS system in its widest format, and the runner up was Brian Beatty with "The Grampians". Best Individual Slide was won by Brian Beatty with "Melbourne Exhibition Building at Twilight" and the runner-up, also by Brian was "Sofitel Hotel in Melbourne". Congratulations to the winners, and our thanks to all who entered the competitions. As mentioned elsewhere in this issue, our main problem is the current lack of support for the Festival and without a firm commitment that this will improve, the future of the Festival looks bleak. In addition to the Melbourne screening, the movies were also seen at Newcastle & Hunter Valley Cine Society, and the Adelaide Filmo Club, and reports from them both is that the program was well received.

12. CS Broadcast Synchro Recording Function. If the DVR-1000 is connected to a CS tuner with a Timer Recording function, recording will automatically start when the tuner's power is turned on. 13. Title names can be entered/edited using the Roman alphabet or Japanese katakana characters. 14. Remaining Record-able Time Indication. The remaining record-able time of the disc is indicated by the minute. 15. Recording Picture Quality Indication. The recording rate speed is indicated when software are replayed. 16. Built-in BS/Commercial broadcast/ CATV tuner. 17. Automatic Channel Setting. By entering the area code at set-up, the channel number indication, and G-code guide channel will be set automatically. 18. Automatic Time Adjustment. The builtin clock will automatically adjust its time to Channel 3 broadcast by Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK), which indicates the standard time in Japan. 19. LCD Display/Jog & Shuttle Dial/G-code ready Remote Controller. The user can start recording immediately, simply by pressing the 'record' button. Unlike conventional tape media, there is no need for index searching. Also, when a disc is inserted, the DVR-1000 DVD recorder will automatically search and check the conditions of the disc, such as verifying which part contains a recorded program as well as the remaining time for additional recording. Therefore, there will no longer be the need to fast-forward or rewind for index searching, and there will be no danger of erasing a program inadvertently. Furthermore, when timer recording is set to record a multiple number of programs, the DVR-1000 will automatically calculate the total recording time and indicate how many programs can be recorded. More Details at www.pioneer.co.jp
10. One-Touch Recording Function allows the user to conduct recording any time he/she wants in 30-minute units for a maximum of 6-hours and 30-minutes. 11. Just Recording Function. The DVR1000 automatically checks the remaining disc capacity and recording time to calculate the transfer rate for recording.
DIGITAL TV EXPLAINED YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The recent changes to the Australian Government decision has everyone asking questions. One question for AWA members must be: Will Standard Definition be 16:9? This has not been addressed at the moment it seems. What is digital television - Fact Sheet If you'd like a comprehensive political answer to Digital TV then see web http://www.dca.gov.au/nsapi-graphics/? MIval=dca_dispdoc&ID=528 If you'd like to save a bit of time, we have prepared this FAQ which will answer your questions in plain English. When will Digital TV commence in Australia? January 1, 2001. There is a requirement that the stations that are given a digital licence must start transmissions on this date. What is Digital TV? Basically the difference between analogue and digital TV is similar to the difference A still frame from the Federation of Combetween analogue and digital cellular mercial TV Stations HDTV Promo curphones. An analogue signal is a continu- rently running. ous wave form. Digital signals are pieces of information. It works in a similar way to the binary 0 and 1 principal of a computer. Standard Definition Television (SDTV) broadcasts will still have good picture qualWhy is it better than our current ana- ity and also allow networks to do a clever logue system? thing called MultiView. SDTV transmissions use a lot less spectrum (bandwidth) Digital TV offers better picture and sound than HDTV. As there's heaps of "space" quality and better reception. It also uses left over, the networks can use this to the widescreen 16:9 format which will give transmit additional channels. This will allow you a more realistic, cinema type experi- you to watch the cricket and decide which ence. Firstly though, you should be aware camera angle you'd like to look at. They that broadcasters will have the ability the may also choose to have a channel with broadcast signals in either High Definition historical information on the players and a or Standard Definition. scorecard. However in order to protect the High Definition Television (HDTV) is the part that has got everyone in the industry excited. The picture quality is incredibly good with double the horizontal resolution and twice as much detail on each line as a current analogue set. The down side for the TV networks is that the conversion of equipment to HDTV will be enormous. As a result, there is no requirement for networks to broadcast in HDTV from January 1st 2001, but the Government will determine a date from which a proportion of programs transmitted must be in HDTV. This will increase over time.

suites were scheduled to be upgraded to 1080p/24fps operation. "We believe that 24p will be the bridge between the video and film worlds," said Conrad Denke, president of APS. The APS facilities will be among the very first to take delivery of Sony's long-awaited 1080p/24 segmented frame family of real- time uncompressed HD production and post production tools - including the HDS-M/E production switcher with two framestores and primary and secondary color correction; the Sony HDME-7000 two-channel digital video effects system; four HDW- 500-F videotape machines; a complement of HD monitors, and two 1080p/24 fps cameras with filmic lenses, matte boxes and remote focusing systems. "Until now, there has been minimal interest in shooting in HD by the film community because the cameras and traditional post suites have only been available for 30 fps operation," Denke said. "But the ability to shoot and post in HD at 24fps advances the viability of 'digital film' by combining the immediacy and affordability of video with a film aesthetic." Denke explained that the advantages of 1080p/24 production include: the elimination of film processing, dailies transfer and sound synchronization costs; easier distribution of television programming to a multi standard market- place; archiving without deterioration; and cost-effective distribution of movies for HD cinematic projection. Because HDTV broadcast is only a small part of the growing high-definition market, including Electronic Cinema, APS prefers to use the term "HD". Both facilities will also employ the Sierra Design HD1.5
Plus digital disk recorder for recording and storage of full bandwidth uncompressed HD video, and the Chyron DuetHD-a new platform enabling real-time HD character generation, graphics and 3D virtual sets. The APS facilities will also offer the Graham Patten DSAM 8000 digital audio mixer for 5.1 channels of Surround Sound, as well as support for Dolby's audio compression standards (Dolby E for production and AC3 for transmission). As one of the first engineers to actually own and handle the new Sony products, APS Director of Engineering Barry Ballanger described the 1080p/24 segmented frame approach as a clever engineering trick whereby Sony's engineers have enabled 1080p/24 footage to pass through a (Sony HKDV-507) converter card placed inside the HDW-500-F (the "F" denotes segment frame version), which converts the 1080p/24 video (and adds the 3:2 pulldown) into 1080i/59.94 output. In this way, there is no need for APS to replace its switcher, DVE, or other 1080i HD equipment, and the suite can now handle both HD formats. However, the final master can pass through another converter on the record deck to go back to 1080p/24. "No one's going to shoot in 24p unless they can post in it, without taking a quality hit by converting to 1080i/30," Denke said. "We intend to break that 'which came first' dilemma by taking that first step - offering a complete package of ser vices for native 1080p/24 production and post production." Reproduced Courtesy of TV Technology & Production Asia/Pacific Nov 1999

SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW DUE

Subscriptions for 2000 are now due and remain unchanged - i.e. $18 for Melbourne Metropolitan members, $8 for other parts of Australia, and $10 for overseas members. We would appreciate prompt renewals
A WIDESCREEN VIEW OF THE GREAT WHITE NORTH
Towering white mountain peaks, mirror-surfaced lakes, patchwork quilts of green and brown farmland - all captured by a new documentary that takes a bird's-eye view of Canada, in razor-sharp widescreen high definition. Called "Over Canada," the US$5.5 million film features spectacular imagery shot from a helicopter. From the project's inception, there was never any doubt that the best possible medium for showcasing Canada's stunning scenery was 16:9 HDTV. "High-definition television is such an outstanding medium," said Gary McCartie, the producer/director. "It gives you dimensional-quality, crystal clarity and a richness of imagery that is truly as good as being there." Walter McGinn of American Production Services (APS), a high-end facility specializing in HD, located in Seattle, edited the footage, shot in 1080i/30 fps HD. In October CTV and TVA, two major Canadian networks, began broadcasting "Over Canada" in expensive HDTV And, in mid-2000, there will be a special presentation, projected in HD, at The World's Fair 2000 in Hannover, Germany. "There have been such significant advances in HD projection in the last five years that the image can be projected onto a 50-foot screen without losing its luster or resolution," McCartie said. "The projected HD image is far crisper than projected film. In one scene, we fly over a schooner sailing on a lake, and you can see every object on the deck and pick out tiny details that you could never see in a filmed image." To capture the aerial footage that dominates "Over Canada," the production employed a sleek, twin-engine Eurocopter helicopter capable of flying low, at night and over large bodies of water. During two years of production, McCartie spent more than 700 hours in that helicopter, flying more than 60,000 miles. Because the helicopter was dedicated to the "Over Canada" project, McCartie was able to arrange for special custom mounts to secure the cameras to the front and side of the aircraft. Specifically, a Sony HDW-750 HD camera was attached to the nose of the helicopter, while either a Sony HDW-750 or HDW- 700 was interchangeably attached to the side. The HDW-700, an HDCAM format camcorder, was used to shoot subject matter on the ground. In addition, this HD

pay TV industry, free-to-air (FTA) networks will not be able to transmit multi-channel services ~ the extra channels must be directly linked to the main program that is being simulcast. They also won't be allowed to charge for any of these services. Sound quality from Digital TV will also be very good with the potential to use Dolby Digital Surround Sound. Reception will be greatly improved as you will either receive no signal or a perfect picture. No more ghosting! What are the sets likely to cost? As with all new technology, the first sets we see will be expensive. It's quite possible that prices may be as much as $10 000. Naturally this will come down over time.
most 25 years old! If you purchase a set-top box then you will not have to update your TV.
camcorder was also deployed by a separate "film" crew that shadowed the principal unit to produce a short feature on "The Making of 'Over Canada."' The film was edited at the HD suite at APS, which includes Sony's HDS-M/E production switcher with two frame stores and primary and secondary color correction; the Sony HDME-7000 two-channel digital video effects system; the BVE-9100 editor, HDW- 500 videotape machines; and a complement of HD monitors. With a long list of HD credits, APS has emerged as one of the world's premier HD facilities. In October APS' HD edit
As well as having dedicated Digital televisions, you will be able to purchase a settop converter box that allows you to receive digital transmissions on your existing set. Now of course this doesn't mean that your existing set will suddenly develop an Sonys FD Trinitron Wega KV-36DRX9 amazing picture. [Although probably a bet- 36 HDTV receiver on sale in Japan for a ter picture than Analog Terrestrial Recep- list price of 385,000. (AUD$5,500 @ 70) tioneditor]. All these will do is allow you Who will get Digital TV licences? to watch digital broadcasts on your current set. It's a bit of a guess at this stage as to The existing FTAs will be loaned spectrum what these will cost but they will probably to transmit digital TV signals on the basis end up at $200 - $300. that they start transmitting on January 1 How long will I be able to watch ana- 2001 and that a specified proportion of logue TV? broadcasts are in HDTV. They must also provide closed caption services (subtitles) Officially, the Government has stipulated for prime time viewing and for news and that analogue transmissions must continue current affairs outside of prime time, in orfor 8 years after the introduction of Digital der to assist the hearing impaired. TV. This will be reviewed in 2005 and a decision made to extend this if the take-up For some time there has been some presrate has been slow. We feel that it's likely sure on the Government to issue a fourth that this will be extended considering the commercial licence. It has been decided fact that most homes have 2 or more TVs that this prohibition will continue until 31st in them and that there are many people December 2008. You mightn't think so but who won't want to update their TV. Cur- the standard of television in Australia is rently we are still repairing TVs that are al- very good compared to the rest of the

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world and so there isn't much point issuing another licence which would only hurt other networks that have invested millions of dollars over the years. Will I be able to connect to the Internet via Digital TV? Yes. There is provision for a service called datacasting where unused parts of the spectrum can be used for transmitting text, sounds, picture, video or Internet services. Although FTAs will not be allowed to charge for television services, they will be able to charge for datacasting and on-sell the space allocation to another service provider. It's quite possible that an Internet Service Provider will do a deal with a network to allow this service. The down side of this type of setup is that datacasting is a one way service. You would download Internet data via your digital TV but you would still need a modem and a telephone line to upload. Other possibilities include the ability to watch a live sports show and get background information on the event off the Internet at the same time. How will people in regional areas be effected?
picture, or none at all [the Cliff Effect]. Some consideration as to coverage areas will have to be made in respect to regional areas. What about Digital Radio? At the same time as the announcement of Digital Television, the Government announced that Digital Radio is also to be introduced. Although not setting a firm date for it's introduction, planning is to proceed on the basis that digital radio will commence at the same time as digital television. The advantages are great sound quality and perfect reception. Should I buy a new TV now or wait for digital? This is what everyone wants to know. We feel that for most people, there is no point in putting off a purchase of a new current analogue TV for the following reasons: 1. We would like to continue to sell televisions :-) 2. The price of digital TVs will be way outside most people's budget for a long time. Most people keep their TVs for 8 - 12 years by which time the price of digital sets might be more realistic. 3. Most people will purchase a set-top converter box. We feel this will be the case because the cost of upgrading one TV might be okay but if you have more than one set then it could be quite expensive. In which case there's no point in holding off buying a new set if you're going to buy a set-top box in the future.
VIDEO GAMES GO WIDESCREEN
You may have not noticed it but video games have moved into the widescreen arena.

BY TONY REES

No doubt the inclusion of the widescreen option is a prelude to the release (March in Japan) of Sonys Playstation 2, which, as reported in Sep Issue of Scope, will have DVD playback facilities.
The Options screen from Pac-Man World game showing Widescreen selected Widescreen view lets you see all those bad ghosts way before they can be any trouble to you! Now, here in Australia, all we need is to have some 16:9 sets on the shelves. They seem very scarce, and with the roll out of Digital TV less than 10 months away, what is a widescreen to do?

Pac-Man World 20th Anniversary edition, created by Namco, for the Sony Playstation Platform offers a Normal TV or Widescreen option in its menu. Selecting widescreen produces an anamorphic image (on a 4:3 TV), and includes extra information on both sides of the traditional sized TV. This is a boon for gamers as they can see more of the terrain they have to traverse/ conquer etc.
In theory the only down side is that it will take longer. The Government have announced that all regional areas are to receive digital TV by January 2004. There will be no new licences issued and consideration made as to other types of support, considering the costs involved in changing to digital. Text reproduced with permission from Richard Pearce The other point to consider is that with Chatswood Sony Centre analogue TV, the further away from the Australia's Favorite Sony Store transmission tower, the worse the signal. www.sonyshop.com.au With digital TV you will either get a great
Pac-Man World, screen saves. Left is the 4:3 Normal TV Setting, while on the right is the Widescreen Setting showing much more of the landscape.