The use of 4K content for movies, TV shows, adverts and documentaries is growing rapidly, boosted by the launch of the Sony PMW-F55 CineAlta camera in February and the new XAVC video format, capable of handling both 4K and HD data streams efficiently.
Visitors to Sony’s stand at IBC discovered that a practical live 4K camera system can be constructed with the following components: the PMW-F55 4K camera; the LA-FZB2 Lens Mount Adaptor that accepts existing 2/3-inch HD zoom lenses; the CA-4000 Camera System Adaptor; the BPU-4000 Baseband Processor Unit; and the HDCU-2000 Camera Control Unit. This setup enables fine real-time adjustment of the camera’s 4K image, together with the remote control of intercom, tally and a viewfinder interface that are all required to support live filming. For a complete 4K live shooting and viewing system, the user need only add the PWS-4400 Multiport AV Storage Unit capable of 4K and HD recording, the MVS-8000X Multi-format Switcher for real-time 4K signal processing with a new optional 4K upgrade software, the PVM-X300 Professional 4K LCD Monitor and a SRX-T615 4K SXRD projector.
A 4K live camera system can also add value to HD video productions. Because 4K captures content at four times the resolution of HD, it can be used to film slow motion HD and replay it at up to 240/200fps. Another approach is to use two 4K cameras to cover an entire playing field, while utilising PWA-4KS 4K Stitching Software to extract and replay HD video from any area on the field, and the PWA-TS1 Telestrator Software to add player information and graphics. This capability can significantly raise the entertainment value of a live sports broadcast.
