XDCAM

The Outdoor Channel has a new House Format: XDCAM HD

The Outdoor Channel has adopted Sony's XDCAM HD system as a new house format for the production and operations of all its high-definition programming. The network airs approximately 300 hours of original programming per year, with content primarily covering traditional outdoor pursuits like hunting, fishing and shooting sports.

One of the network's producers, Robin Berg, first used the optical disc system for a show that's now in its second season on Outdoor Channel - "Speargun Hunter." "On that show, the PDW-F350 camcorder literally had the stuffing beaten out if it," Berg said. "It was sprayed with saltwater, bounced off the handrails of boats, and blasted through the air across the deck. But through it all, the XDCAM camcorders worked perfectly."

That type of durability, in addition to the system's performance and features, were among the main reasons behind Outdoor Channel's decision to standardize on the Sony optical workflow. It was also a main reason why Berg chose the optical technology for one of the channel's newest shows to be shot and produced using the XDCAM HD system - "Savage Wild."

SHOOTING "SAVAGE WILD"

"Savage Wild" is like a hybrid of "Tarzan" and "Crocodile Hunter." says Berg. It stars Manny Puig -- you may know him as the Shark Man on the Discovery Channel -- hunting and stalking dangerous predators with primitive techniques.

"We are shooting in the most humid conditions," he said, "the type that would have shut most tape camcorders down and caused all kinds of problems in the contact path. But the blue laser operates at such a high temperature that the humidity makes no difference. The XDCAM system just works. It's just got so many different tools. And you don't need a PhD to get great-looking effects shots."

"XDCAM HD is the only thing I'm recommending nowadays. There's not a better system out there for shooting broadcast HD. It's accepted as an A camera by all the networks. So it's a done deal. For me, there's no reason to shoot with anything else. My editor and I are constantly looking at the monitor, gaping. The real world simply doesn't look as beautiful as it does on our studio monitor. XDCAM HD is a dream to work with, any way you want."

Outdoor Channel Watch Interview with series director Robin Berg Savage Wild Video Trailer Savage Wild Image Gallery