In developing the P2 card, Panasonic applied some of the same technology that proved so successful in the SD Memory card. Basically, four SD Memory cards are packaged together to create a single P2 card. This gives the P2 card four times the capacity and four times the transfer speed of a single SD Memory card.
Panasonic P2 memory cards are IT-friendly memory and provide interoperability with leading non-linear editing systems. Compliant with PC Card standards (Type II), the P2 card plugs directly into the PCMCIA card slot of a laptop PC. Files are saved onto the P2 card in MXF format. This allows for direct transfer to IT-based productions systems with non-linear editors. The data on the card mounts instantly, with each cut as an MXF file. The data can be used immediately without digitizing, enabling instant non-linear post.
P2 cards can record in DVCPRO100 (DVCPROHD), DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, DV, AVC-Intra50 and AVC-Intra100. P2 offers the seamless SD/HD migration path that distinguishes the DVCPRO family.
Proxy Files and Metadata
Low-resolution proxy files can be quickly transferred and copied, for on-air transmission of news bulletins or for preliminary offline editing on a laptop PC before the full, high-resolution data arrives.
A Metadata file containing information such as programme name, location, text memo or any other information can be stored on an SD card. The metadata file with a low-resolution proxy file can then be easily transferred over a network or Internet. These files can also be used to create an archive system to utilize valuable video assets. The P2 files can up uploaded to a source-data server and searches are made based on the metadata. Video clips can be previewed over the network using the proxy files.
Reliable and Durable
P2's advantage is there are no moving parts. No heads to wear or clog. No tape path and recording errors caused by temperature change, vibration or impact. Despite their compact size, P2 cards withstand shock up to 1,500 G and vibration up to 15 G, operate in temperatures from -20 to 60.C, and can be stored in temperatures from -40 to 80.C. Proving to be suitable in even the harshest environments, P2 is an extremely rugged, reliable capture media.
Reusable Media
Solid-state memory has the unique advantage of being rewritable, over and over again. You can use the same P2 card again and again for years slashing media expenses while also minimizing impact on the environment. To help manage this reuse, a serial number is printed on a bar code on each P2 card. This makes it easier to identify and track cards when they're in a PC or checked into or out of inventory. P2 cards also have a write protect switch that prevents accidental data deletion.