News

Grass Valley Launches New Version of Single Format HD Camera (8/2/2007)

LDK 4000 Mark II from Thomson Boosts Image Quality, Maintains Cost Advantage

Aimed at broadcasters and facilities which operate in fixed 1080i or 720p environments, the new mark II version of the Grass Valley(tm) LDK 4000 camera from Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) now benefits from 14-bit analog to digital conversion and other signal processing improvements derived from the new LDK 8000 multi-format camera.

Since its launch in April 2005, the original LDK 4000 camera has rapidly gained market acceptance with small-to-medium sized production houses, such as Al-Watan TV that have invested in seven Grass Valley(tm) LDK 4000 high definition cameras and receive the benefits of a 12-bit camera with HD Dynamic Pixel Management (DPM) image sensor technology in an affordable, single-format high definition (HD) camera.

The LDK 4000 mk II is available either as a 1080i camera or as a 720p camera. In both configurations it is switchable between 50 Hz and 59.94 Hz. A Service Pack is available which, when circumstances require, enables a Field Service Engineer to change the fixed format from 1080i to 720p or vice versa.

The light weight and compact form of the LDK 4000 mk II makes it ideally suited for handheld or crane operation, but it can also be used with the Grass Valley SuperXpander large lens adaptor with its 7" (178mm diagonal) high definition viewfinder for studio pedestal or sports operation.

"We are seeing another important step in the maturity of the HD production market as broadcasters are establishing their own studios and production units," said Marc Valentin, president of the Grass Valley business within Thomson. "They tell us that they of course need the highest possible image quality but they do not need the flexibility to change formats at the flick of a switch as they have their own established format. In the LDK 4000 mk II we can offer them the latest image standards at a substantial cost saving over other cameras."

The LDK 4000 mk II camera shares the latest version of Grass Valley's Emmy(r) Award-winning HD-DPM+ CCD image sensors and new 14-bit A-to-D circuitry with the LDK 8000, which was introduced at IBC in September 2006 to rave reviews and substantial worldwide orders. All digital signal processing of the LDK 4000 mk II is handled at a minimum depth of 22 bits. Processing includes powerful colorimetry capabilities, and two independent skin contour circuits allowing precise control over flesh tones. All image processing is carried out in a single DSP chip to minimize power consumption and operating temperature.

Pricing and Availability

The new camera will be deliverable in Q1 2007 and starts at $98,000 (€75,000).

www.thomsongrassvalley.com

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