Sony has developed real-time IP production technology to deliver better efficiency
and lower system costs in live productions, particularly for sports broadcasts. This
new technology is the result of Sony’s on-going efforts to develop comprehensive
professional solutions using IP video technology.
Real-time IP production technology integrates IP network technology and HD-SDI,
the standard for HD video transmission. It enables video, audio, reference signals and
control data to be transmitted between devices using a single network cable.
Multiple high-resolution video and audio, including HD and 4K, can be synchronously
transmitted to multiple points and the source video can be switched smoothly with
no switching noise, resulting in a dramatic improvement in the efficiency of video
transmission between the field and the broadcast station.
Conventionally, numerous cables are required to transmit HD video from video
locations such as live production sites. In addition, the volume of information
transferred by 4K high-resolution video production is four times that of HD, meaning
that four times as many cables are necessary. When both the input and output
directions are taken into account, eight times as much cabling is required in
comparison to HD production.
Sony’s real-time IP production technology will enable even 4K video to be
transmitted using a single network cable. This will greatly simplify 4K live production
systems, with one-eighth or less cabling required, significantly reducing installation
costs, space and cable mass.
This technology can even simultaneously transmit different video formats using a
single network cable. It is also possible to easily extend connection devices by
adding IP switches.
