Panasonic AK-HCU250 Camera Control Unit for Fiber Studio Camera Systems

Panasonic AK-HCU250 Camera Control Unit for Fiber Studio Camera Systems

The Panasonic AK-HCU250 is a compact camera control unit for building long-distance optical transmission camera systems at lower cost. It is 2U high, rack-mountable and weighs approximately 7.4 kg, and it carries video, return, trunk, prompter, intercom and audio between the camera head and the control room over a single fiber link.

It is offered in five versions by connector and power: AK-HCU250PSJ and AK-HCU250ESJ with a LEMO connector, AK-HCU250PJ and AK-HCU250EJ with a Tajimi connector, and AK-HCU250PTJ with ST connectors. The PSJ, PJ and PTJ run on 100 V to 120 V AC, and the ESJ and EJ on 100 V to 240 V AC. Panasonic lists the PTJ as a US only model that needs an ST to SMPTE (single mode) converter. The LEMO and Tajimi versions supply DC 190 V, 0.6 A to the camera.

In standard form the unit works in 1080 formats with three 3G-SDI outputs and a PM output. Adding the optional AK-HUC01 4K/12G-SDI Interface Kit enables 3840 x 2160 output over 12G-SDI and 3G-SDI Quad Link. Contact CINEOM Broadcast FZCO for a quote or technical advice on choosing the right AK-HCU250 version for your camera chain.

Key Features

• Long-distance optical fiber transmission between camera and CCU
• Compact 2U rack-mount chassis, approx. 7.4 kg
• HD SDI 1 to 3 outputs at 3G/1.5G-SDI plus HD SDI PM output
• 12G-SDI and 3G-SDI Quad Link 4K output with the optional AK-HUC01 kit
• Two RET inputs with internal frame synchronizer
• 3G HD trunk and 3G prompter circuit, plus analog prompter in and out
• One intercom line (XLR 5-pin) and two audio lines (XLR 3-pin)
• Reference input with loop-through, LAN, ROP and communication ports

Best Suitable For / Use Cases

• Broadcast studios running Panasonic fiber studio camera chains
• OB vans and flypacks that need long cable runs between camera and control
• Upgrading an HD camera system to 4K output with the AK-HUC01 kit
• Live events and sports venues with prompter, return video and intercom over fiber
• Facilities standardised on LEMO, Tajimi or ST fiber connectors

Paired With

• Panasonic AK-PLV100GSJ 4K PL-mount studio camera (latest CCU software required)
• Panasonic AK-HUC01 4K/12G-SDI Interface Kit
• Panasonic AK-HRP1010GJ remote operation panel
• Panasonic AK-MSU1000GJ master setup unit

FAQs

What is the difference between the AK-HCU250 versions?

The versions differ by fiber connector and power: PSJ and ESJ use LEMO, PJ and EJ use Tajimi, and PTJ uses ST connectors. P models run on 100 V to 120 V AC, E models on 100 V to 240 V AC. The PTJ is a US only model and needs an ST to SMPTE (single mode) converter.

Can the AK-HCU250 output 4K?

Yes, with the optional AK-HUC01 4K/12G-SDI Interface Kit, sold separately. It adds 3840 x 2160 output over 12G-SDI and 3G-SDI Quad Link.

Which cameras work with the AK-HCU250?

Panasonic lists it as a CCU for the AK-PLV100GSJ 4K PL-mount studio camera, which requires the latest software. Check the Panasonic compatibility chart for studio camera systems, or ask us, for other camera heads.

How is the camera powered?

The LEMO and Tajimi versions supply DC 190 V, 0.6 A to the camera head over the hybrid fiber cable.

Where can I buy the Panasonic AK-HCU250?

All AK-HCU250 versions are available through CINEOM Broadcast FZCO, serving the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe from Dubai. Contact the team for pricing and connector advice.