News

Sony showcases latest High Definition and SD products including new cameras (5/10/2005)

Workflow innovation meets enhanced production versatility

At IBC this year, Sony is demonstrating a wide range of products and solutions that transform production workflow while affording fresh creative options for broadcasters, post production specialists, professional videographers and digital cinematographers.

"The rapid migration towards High Definition has already assured consumers a more immersive, engaging viewing experience", comments Ian Collis, Vice-President, Marketing, Sony Professional Solutions Europe. "At IBC this year, Sony is underlining the fact that embracing rich content is a clear opportunity for broadcasters who are looking to differentiate themselves and add value to their product in the face of ever-tighter resources."

"As the latest Sony portfolio demonstrates, media industry professionals can benefit directly from innovations like High Definition, file-based working and the systemisation of metadata to make better looking programmes", adds Collis. "Better still, they can do it faster and at lower real cost than ever before."

HDC-1500 High Definition Camera: HDC-1500, HDC-1550, HDC-1000

A complete family of new High Definition (HD) camera products supersedes the acclaimed HDC-950 for studio and live production/OB applications. Setting new standards of imaging performance and operational versatility, the HDC 1500 is a no-compromise portable camera featuring a new CCD sensor and Digital Processing for peerless picture quality. All popular interlaced and progressive formats are supported, and full-bandwidth digital signals can be transmitted via fibre connection over a distance of up to 10km with no degradation or signal loss. More than 150 HDC-1500 units have already been pre-ordered by broadcast users. The HDC-1500 is complemented by other additions to the Sony HD camera portfolio including the HDC-1000 full-size camera, HDLA-1500 large lens adaptor, HDC-1000 full-size studio camera, and the HDC-1550 triax portable camera.

HDC-X310 HD Multi-Purpose Camera

The HDC-X310 delivers clear HD pictures with true 1080-line resolution in interlaced or progressive modes. Its compact dimensions and autofocus lens make it an ideal choice for a range of point of view applications, including mounting on robotic platforms or in a helicopter. It's also the perfect low-cost solution for providing wide-area coverage at large-scale live events where a large number of cameras are required but resources are limited. Linked over a distance of up to 1000m via a single optical connection, the HFU-X310 signal interface unit adds a comprehensive range of output format options including HD-SDI, computer XGA and i.LINK (HDV).

CCU-590P / CCU-790P and MSU-900 / MSU-950

The CCU-590P is a compact wide-band triax camera control unit for use with the BVP-E30 family of Standard Definition cameras. It includes a comprehensive range of video interfaces including composite, component and SDI video outputs. The CCU-790P is a 3U rack mounting version that offers longer cable operation. The MSU-900 Master Set-Up Unit for BVP and HDC series cameras offers centralised control for a multi-camera system in a compact, horizontal panel format. Also ideal for any studio or OB van, the MSU-950 is a vertically-mounting variant.

HDCAM SR: SRW-5500 Expanding the Sony HDCAM SR line-up, the new SRW-5500 is a 'dual format' studio VTR. Building on the strengths of the SRW-5000, it adds the capability of recording HDCAM as well as HDCAM SR signals.

HDCAM : New HDW-2000/20 Series

The enhanced HDW-2000/20 series builds on the success of the HDW-2000 line-up of HDCAM studio VTRs. New for 2005 is the addition of 1080/23.98PsF and 1080/24PsF recording, bringing CineAlta recording to the HDW-2000 series for the first time. An on-board HD to SD downconverter smooths broadcasters' transition to the HD world.

HDV

Joining the existing Sony HDV range, the HVR-A1E professional camcorder further broadens the format's appeal for entry level HD production. Adding significant features not found on the HDR-HC1E consumer HDV camcorder, the HVR-A1E is optimised for professional use. First quantities of this compact yet exceptionally versatile HD acquisition tool will be commercially available immediately after IBC.

XDCAM HD: PDW-F330, PDW-F70, PDW-F30

A new addition to the Sony High Definition format line-up, XDCAM HD combines the benefits of file-based production workflows with true 1080-line HD picture quality.

XDCAM HD uses Long GOP encoding to record pictures at up to 35 Mbps plus low-resolution proxies and metadata on to XDCAM Professional Disc media. The first truly affordable tapeless HD format, XDCAM HD offers an optimum solution for customers looking to embrace the benefits of non-linear acquisition and production while taking a step up to HD picture quality. While product availability and pricing has not yet been confirmed, Sony is already in advanced discussions with several leading European customers to confirm their exact requirements.

XDCAM: PDW-R1

Confirmed as the most popular professional format introduction to date by Sony, the XDCAM Professional Disc production system has already achieved more than 8,000 unit sales world-wide since its introduction in early 2004. Ideal for in-the-field use, the PDW-R1 field recorder is a record/playback version of the PDW-V1 player. An integral tilt-up LCD screen and choice of AC or DC powering options is complemented by a wide range of interfaces, including i.LINK, Ethernet and SDI.

Current XDCAM camcorders are further enhanced with the addition of "live logging" - a valuable advantage that allows material to be viewed and logged during shooting. As shooting continues, the proxy information can be browsed and catalogued via a connected PC and Sony PDZ-1 software. This additional feature improves time to air in a wide range of sports, reality TV and other programme applications where shots need to be readied for air as quickly as possible.

DVW-970P/ MSW-970P

Recognising the continuing popularity of the Digital Betacam and MPEG IMX formats, Sony has introduced the DVW-970P Digital Betacam and MSW-970P MPEG IMX camcorders. These two new models feature Power HAD EX CCD sensors to boost image quality, and offer a choice of 50i or 25P recording.

DVCAM

Newest additions to the Sony DVCAM line-up include the DSR-450WSP camcorder that features 2/3" type Power HAD EX CCD sensors for superb imaging quality and sensitivity, 16:9 widescreen acquisition, and a 2.5 inch built-in LCD monitor.

The DSR-DR1000AP hard disc recorder now offers up to 12 hours of recording with a larger capacity (160GB) hard disk, plus compatibility with the new RM-280 slow-motion controller.

Augmenting the 'Master Series' range are the DSR-1600AP /1800AP /2000AP VTRs that feature an on-board i.LINK(r) IEEE-1394 digital interface. A further enhancement to all new 'A' versions is an optional upconversion board that allows playout of HD signals.

Transmission and Playout

Initially announced at NAB earlier this year, MediaVenue is a multiformat HD/SD-capable transmission server. Typifying the convergence of AV production with IT-based solutions, MediaVenue teams the benefits of MXF-based file storage, broad interoperability and high performance with the cost-effective management and distribution of Standard and High Definition media content.

DVStation for HDV Production

The HDV format brings all the benefits of networked file-based video production to workgroups stepping up to true 1080-line HD picture quality. Teaming affordable, IT standards-based hardware with an easy-to-use graphical interface, DVStation for HDV Production puts affordable, scalable rich content creation into the hands of regional broadcasters, educational establishments and corporate programme makers.

SXRD 4K projector: SRX-R110CE, SRX-R105CE

Featured on the main Sony stand at IBC as well as in a special Saturday evening screening featuring some of the best HDCAM material from around the world, the SRX-R110CE is the world's first commercially available 4K projector. It achieves an extraordinary 4096 x 2160 (4K) pixel image resolution - four times that of HDTV broadcasts, and indeed any other 2K cinema projector on the market. HD pictures are also considerably enhanced by being displayed in '4K', since individual pixels are totally invisible and diagonal edges have no visible pixellation. On Sunday evening Sony will also be hosting a very special screening of 'native 4K' originated material.

PRODUCTION MONITORS

LMD-322W/232W/172W/152

The Sony LMD Series of professional displays is further expanded with five new multiformat models, covering sizes from 15-inch to 32-inch widescreen. The five new models are the first ever LCD monitors to feature latest generation "ChromaTru" colour matching technology. This Sony innovation not only ensures exceptionally consistent colour reproduction between individual panels, but also allows simulation of EBU, SMPTE-C and ITU-709 colour profiles that are characteristic of high-end CRT monitors.

LMD-9050/9030/9020

Sony complements the LMD Series with three new 8.4-inch models aimed at indoor and outdoor applications. The LMD-9050 is a multiformat HD/SD monitor with built-in HD/SD-SDI capability. The LMD-9030 and LMD-9020 display analogue composite and Y/C Standard Definition signals, with a built-in SD-SDI capability for the LMD-9030. All three models can display analogue HD/SD component video signal, and support battery as well as DC operation.

BVM-A14F5M, BVM-A20F1M, BVM-A32E1WM

The new BVM-A Series of CRT-based monitors is optimised for high-end television production and digital cinematography applications where uncompromising resolution and colour accuracy are mandatory. SD and HD pictures can be viewed by using optional plug-in decoders, and an Ethernet port allows web-based administration and maintenance via SNMP protocols.

AUDIO

ECM-674, F-112, UWP-C3 and UTX-P1 NB

The Sony audio portfolio expands with new microphone models. The ECM 674 is a shotgun design that can be mounted on HDV, DVCAM and XDCAM camcorders to deliver superb sound from an exceptionally compact, lightweight design. The F-112 is a ruggedly built omnidirectional dynamic handheld microphone. Adding the optional UTX-P1 'plug-on' wireless transmitter makes the F-112 particularly suitable for ENG/interview applications. The microphone is also available as the UWP-C3, a complete package that includes the F-122 plus UTX-P1.

Systems Remote Monitoring

With the launch of a new System Remote Monitoring service, Sony can now offer its professional customers the additional reassurance of round-the-clock, real-time system maintenance and intervention. Managed via the newly created Sony Systems Support Centre (SSC) Europe, the new service helps ensure maximum reliability by addressing the critical areas of network and hardware performance as well as software distribution and audit/reporting.

The new service can ensure the optimum performance of products from Sony and other third parties over small, medium or large network areas. Tapping into a powerful knowledge base of experts, the SSC offers a proactive approach to systems monitoring and management, pinpointing potential trouble areas before they can escalate into major service interruptions.

www.sonybiz.net

[more camera news]