How can I record HD video over 500ft remotely.?

I work for a company that needs to record HD video from cameras that are about 500ft away. currently we are recording locally to the cameras and sending an SD signal into the control room for backup and viewing. We are using four Panasonic HVX-200a camcorders.

Camcorders – even good ones like the HVX200 – were not meant to be used as “broadcast” cameras. The cabling and connections normally used by broadcast cameras are very different than anything a camcorder connects to.

The HVX200, and most similar camcorders, has two ways to connect high definition video-out:

Firewire
This falls off the list because firewire (IEEE1394) is limited to 15 feet. Unless you can find a firewire connected wireless device – I checked B&H and could not find anything.

Component (RGB)
You’ll need to do some homework on how long those cables can be with little loss. You will also need to be sure your audio is covered. Check B&H… they have a Gefen 300 foot long RGB (+ two more connectors – audio?) cables for a little over $600 each. Whether you can extend this to 500 feet with connectors only or if you need to use a HD video amp/extender is the homework you need to do. A call to B&H may be enough – a call to a local large production company might be more in order. Be prepared to pay them a “consulting fee”.

Good luck!

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