WBGU takes the first step to HDTV with Ikegami's HDK-79D cameras           August 30, 1999, Bowling Green, OH: Phasing out of NTSC into HD just got easier, as WBGU TV(PBS) found out with its versatile new camera package from Ikegami. With three new Ikegami HDK-79D HDTV cameras capable of strong performance in both NTSC and HDTV, the station has an important tool to help it make the transition to hi-def.           "The Ikegami HDK-79D's allowed us to future-proof as much as possible", says Bill Leutz, chief engineer at WBGU a Bowling Green station, Ohio. "These units give us high-performance on remotes and good sensitivity. Basically, the HDK-79D gives us everything we want, plus we're getting HD".           With the HDK-79D Portable Companion and the HDK-790D Studio cameras, stations like WBGU have all production formats covered, with the ability to deliver any of the leading HDTV formats from one system with no external converters. The camera's 2.2 million pixel 2/3" CCDs provide selectable native-interlace and native-progressive read-out modes to enhance performance when switching between 1080I, 720P and 480P. an NTSC signal is always available and can be independently switched to 16:9, 4:3 side-cut or 4:3 letterbox aspect ratios.           Ikegami was natural choice for WBGU, who had first-hand knowledge of their quality, having long been an user of Ikegami's legendary HL-79 cameras. "Over the years we've had a very good experience with our five HL-79's." Leutz says. "We've had them over ten years and they're still in almost daily use, making great pictures. We will not be throwing any of them away". But WBGU productions, which include national and local series, created both in their studio and remote facility, will now center around the HDK-79D's today and well into the station's switch to digital. "I think TV people are always eager to embrace new technologies and things that make their job more interesting," observes Leutz. "We'll have to learn the 16X9 format while shooting in 4X3, and since the Ikegami outputs both we'll know what the HD is going to look like. "Our staff is excited about moving to HD, and the Ikegami HDK-79D gives us the perfect way to do it."           Ikegami Electronics is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality professional broadcast television cameras, monitors, and accessories. The company's high Definition TV Cameras (HDTV) have become the broadcast industry leaders as the change over to the High Definition Television format moves ahead.