Sony Press

Sony introduced its all-new 17-inch BVM-E171 and 25-inch BVM-E251 TRIMASTER EL™ OLED HD master monitors that are successors to its award-winning BVM-E series professional OLED monitors. The HD master monitors are equipped with enhanced features for 4K production, delivering outstanding performance, a quick response time with virtually no motion blur and a wide colour gamut.

“Sony has a deep understanding of the specifications that are sought after within the content creation market by listening to the needs of those involved in production,’ said Peter Kyriakos, head of marketing at Sony Professional Solutions MEA. “Sony’s BVM-E171 and BVM-E251 master monitors are introduced to answer the demands for wider colour space for HD OLED master monitors with accurate colour reproduction for 4K production while resolving the issue of screen flicker.’

Replacing the current BVM-E170A and BVM-E250A monitors, the new HD master monitors are targeted largely at the content creation sphere including broadcast, post-production and rental houses, as well as for research and development purpose for government, enterprise and laboratory.

Maintaining most of the existing superb features and supporting formats that Sony’s BVM-E series possess, the latest HD monitors are enhanced with the following new features:

Flicker-free mode
The OLED panel of the new HD monitors possesses superb quick response and scan-driving performance, delivering stunning picture quality with virtually no motion blur. To eliminate possible flicker especially in case that low frequency signal is displayed (24p, 24PsF 50i and so on), the BVM-E171 and BVM-E251 are equipped with flicker-free mode.

ITU-R BT.2020 colour space*¹
As the content creation market embraces 4K production, the new HD monitors will support ITU-R BT.2020 colour space, the broadcasting standard for Ultra HD, for accurate colour reproduction. Sony’s BVM-E171 and BVM-E251 are ideal for critical colour evaluation in 4K cinema and live productions. Further, the HD monitors is a viable solution for broadcasters who utilize 4K/HD simultaneous broadcasting systems, realizing superb picture quality while resolving cost and space constraints.

Enhanced options of colour space and EOTFs
The monitors are enhanced to include S-Gamut/S-Gamut3*¹ and S-Gamut3.cine*¹. Further, they are also equipped with S-Log3 and S-Log2 in SDR. The new S-Log 3(SDR) feature can display up to approximately 1 500 per cent by contrast adjustment in the range of 250cd/m2.

Compact and lightweight
Notably, the BVM-E171 monitor is re-sized for better handling on-site. The new 17-inch monitor is shorter in dimension and lighter in weight, ideal to be fitted in 6U rack size in OB trucks.

Enhanced inputs and accessories
The BVM-E251 monitor is enhanced to include DC 24V inputs apart from AC power input. In addition, optional accessories for both monitors include a new controller, BKM-17R, and a new extension cable, SMF-17R20.

Sony’s professional OLED HD master monitors are developed with its award-winning TRIMASTER EL™ technology to ensure that professionals across the broadcast and cinematography industries are provided with excellent, vibrant and reliable images. The groundbreaking technology surpasses other conventional OLED technology by adhering to five key values – unrivalled black reproduction, very high contrast and dynamic range, wide colour space, accurate gamma and superb uniformity of the screen and superior picture accuracy, consistency and stability. In addition with Sony’s Super Top Emission™ technology, the OLED displays deliver high light efficiency, high colour purity, high contrast and high reliability.

Sony’s BVM-E171 and BVM-E251 will be available from January 2017 onwards.

*¹ The BVM-E251/E171 does not support the ITU-R BT.2020, DCI-P3, S-Gamut/S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.cine colour space in full.

For more information visit the Sony website.

Sony is expanding its BRC series of robotic PTZ cameras with the addition of its first 4K model – the BRC-X1000.

The BRC-X1000 is ideal for small-to-midsize production companies as a primary camera for local broadcast affiliates, cable TV operations, education, hospital and government applications, as well as live event recording for houses of worship or weddings. It can also serve as a key production element in large, advanced media production facilities requiring the proven efficiencies BRC remote-operated cameras bring to a production workflow.

A full HD version, the BRC-H800, with a single Exmor R CMOS sensor will also be available.

“This new flagship of our BRC line lays the foundation for practical, cost-effective 4K robotic PTZ applications,” said Peter Kyriakos, head of Marketing at Sony Professional Solutions MEA. “The BRC-X1000 is ideal for end-to-end 4K production setups and an excellent choice for ‘future-proofing’ by offering 4K for tomorrow plus a variety of HD resolutions today – all in one camera.’

The BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 share much of what has made Sony’s HD BRC-H900 one of the most effective production tools available today. The ability to deliver extraordinary image quality and sensitivity that matches traditional manually-operated studio cameras is just the starting point. The heart of these new cameras is Sony’s 1.0 type back illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and image processing engine coupled with a 12x optical zoom Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. Clear Image Zoom capabilities to 24x in HD and 18x in 4K allow users to enlarge an image while retaining its original quality.

The cameras’ high speed 60p HD mode can capture fast-paced subjects, useful when shooting live sports. Future support for 24P (planned for 2017) will give professionals added flexibility to use the cameras as a creative tool with a beautiful bokeh for dramatic depth-of-field effects.

The new easy-to-use BRC cameras combine imaging excellence with advanced intelligent capabilities, enabling a single camera operator to manage a multi-camera production. The BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 presently support up to 16 position presets (with additional presets planned for future upgrades) making it easy for an operator to transition seamlessly between multiple speakers presenting on a dais or smoothly track a presenter walking mark-to-mark. More complex camera movements (gliding up, down and across from close-up to wide shots) can be pre-programmed with new control features such as PTZ Trace Memory and PTZ Motion Sync for added flexibility (planned for 2017). In addition, the zoom speed is adjustable manually.

Sony is also developing a new remote controller to enable more intuitive and sensitive operation, as well as a one-time IP setting for the cameras, which is planned to be available in 2017.

The BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 include key features to ease integration for installers and broadcast engineers. These include:

• PoE+ Support (less cables)
• Genlock Support
• LAN – VISCA over IP Control
• RS422 Serial VISCA Support
• Dual link 3G-SDI x 2 (BRC-X1000), 3G-SDI x 2(BRC-H800)
• HDMI

Easy to implement end-user software upgrades via IP will be made available as more features and functionality are added to the cameras. The BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 cameras are scheduled for release in December 2016, with pricing to be announced.

Sony is introducing second generation BVM-X300 OLED master monitor, giving users more flexibility and more features for HDR and 4K production applications. Starting in October 2016, this new version of the BVM-X300 will feature updated Version 2 firmware including additional HDR EOTF and function support, a new hardware with an HDMI input for easy connection to cameras or Blu-ray players, and a second 3G/HD-SDI 4K input for simpler system integration.
The BVM-X300 V2 firmware update also delivers new display functionality for HDR production, including:

· Hybrid Log Gamma HDR EOTF setting supporting the new ITU-R BT.2100 standard
· New EOTF called S-Log 3 (Live HDR) supports easier camera control for live production
· New one-touch relative contrast modes (1/2, 1/3 and 1/4), allowing display of HDR images with higher peak luminance
· Faster access to the status menu page (Color space, EOTF, User Preset and more)

Since the BVM-X300’s release in early 2015, it has been adopted by major post-production houses for colour grading and used for monitoring and quality control on the sets of television shows and films. “This monitor has become the de facto reference standard for 4K and HDR grading in the post-production suite, and it’s also making its way on set and into mobile production,’ said Daniel Dubreuil, senior product marketing manager for Professional Monitors. “These new updates make the BVM-X300 even more adaptable as demand for production requirements grows increasingly.’

Revised price of the new version of BVM-X300 will be announced separately.
Current BVM-X300 owners who want to add the HDMI and second SDI inputs on their monitor will need to contact a Sony service centre. Implementation will require hardware and software modifications at chargeable cost. The alternative to upgrade V2 firmware only is also possible.

Sony is a leading supplier of audio-visual solutions to businesses across a wide variety of sectors including, media and broadcast, theatre solutions, healthcare, sports and corporate and education markets. It delivers products, systems and applications to enable the creation, manipulation and distribution of cutting edge digital audio-visual content that add value to businesses and their customers. With more than 25 years’ experience, Sony is collaborating with a network of established technology partners, delivering end-to-end solutions that address the customer’s needs, integrating software and systems to achieve each organisation’s individual business goals.

Sony will return to IBC 2016, taking place from 9 to 13 September in Amsterdam, to inspire and engage broadcasters, demonstrating continued insight, influence and proof points as it partners with customers to transform the media industry. Further building on its “Beyond Definition’ vision and heritage, Sony will highlight how it is backing organisations across the broadcast landscape to re-imagine their approach to media production. In particular Sony will explore how innovations in the fields of image, IP and workflow are enabling new ways for audiences to engage with media creators and their content.

Sony will be joined by its peers to unveil products, systems and solutions, and to discuss new technology standards underpinning new ways of working for media organisations. Sony will present case studies of customers who have successfully introduced new ways of working, as well as introducing European audiences to its new HDC-4800 system camera for the first time. A key focus will be on how Sony is working alongside its partners and competitors to deliver solutions that suit the “real world’ practicalities of modern broadcasting, ensuring technology breakthroughs are established in the context of interoperability, legacy value and reliable uptime.

“The media industry has seen considerable change, and this transformation has driven a growth in disruptive technologies. While the potential for improving audience experiences is expanding rapidly, so too are the challenges faced by broadcasters and vendors alike. As an industry overall we’re shifting towards workflows that combine insight and business efficiency alongside creative technologies, which is why a solutions approach needs to be adopted. With this in mind, our customers look to us to act as their technology innovator, solutions provider and business partner,’ said Michael Harrit, marketing director, Sony Europe.

“This is why IBC is always an exciting time for us – it brings customers and the industry together to explore what could be achieved,’ continued Harrit. “So much has changed over the last 12 months alone. Take IP in live production, for example: we’ve moved from a phase of discussion and exploration into delivering interoperable IP technologies based on an open standards approach, in the broadcast production industry. We’ve recently gone one step further by introducing an IP Live Studio at our DMPCE facility IP Live Studio at our DMPCE facility in Pinewood Studios, and are working in collaboration with industry partners to give broadcasters hands-on experience of building a complete IP Live chain. We’re also looking forward to showcasing our award winning Media Backbone Hive solution, which gained recognition at NAB earlier this year by winning the IABM Game Changer award, and the latest enhancements and business benefits from the rest of the Media Operations Management range.’

Sony will be exhibiting its full ecosystem – from acquisition through production to archive – in the Elicium Hall at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam from 9 to 13 September.

For more information visit the Sony website.

Sony is expanding its line of SRG robotic cameras with the introduction of the SRG-360SHE 30x robotic model.

The SRG-360SHE is designed for use in classrooms, courtrooms, boardrooms, houses of worship and other settings where full HD visual communications are crucial. This new model builds on the success of the SRG-300SE by adding power over Ethernet (PoE+) and triple simultaneous video and audio streaming (embedded audio in IP, HDMI and 3G-SDI). The simultaneous output of 1080/60p baseband video through the three streaming outputs makes it ideal for webcasting and viewing while simultaneously recording live events.

“With the addition of the SRG-360SHE, Sony’s SRG lineup sets a new standard for robotic cameras,’ said Terry Huber, Sony Electronics’ senior marketing manager, Remote Communications Group. “The new camera includes a rich set of features such as VIEW-DR and XDNR technologies for clear images in challenging lighting conditions and some newly enhanced PTZ functions. It’s perfect in applications where events need to be streamed live and then made available later for on-demand viewing, including college lectures, religious ceremonies, or news events.’

In addition to the triple streaming outputs, other advances in the SRG-360SHE include a series of enhanced PTZ capabilities to produce professional-looking results even with non-professional camera operators. “Semi-Synchronous Simultaneous Motion’ improves transitions between subjects, delivering smooth, coordinated camera motion that does not distract viewers. A Slow P/T setting allows for precise tracking of objects or people, for example, a speaker walking across a stage. PTZ Trace Memory provides the ability to store a sequence of camera movements as a preset. With “trace,’ a complicated series of motions/commands can be carried out flawlessly and replicated as needed.

The SRG-360SHE also incorporates audio enhancements to produce content that sounds as good as it looks. Its innovative auto lip-sync function fixes one of the most distracting audio issues — signal delays between audio and video. Auto lip-sync compensates for these issues so a speaker’s words match the video. Lip-sync is achieved by the camera embedding stereo audio in all three outputs.

The two 3.5 mm audio inputs are Mic/Line selectable and can provide plug-in power. A new onboard equaliser and auto level control enhances stereo audio from an optional connected stereo microphone or from line inputs.

The SRG-360SHE’s new capabilities are built on the solid functionality common to the entire SRG line. Sony View-DR and XDNR technologies provide clear images in low light environments and reduce noise. Pan/Tilt/Zoom controls are operated by VISCA protocols through either the RS-422 (serial) connector or RJ-45 (IP) connection allowing for local or remote operation and easy cabling.

The camera is compatible with Sony’s RM-IP10 IP Remote Controller to enable comfortable P/T/Z operation with an optical three-axis joystick. With 16 programmable presets, operators can click from one camera shot to another without having to reframe the scene. This makes for smooth transitions rather than jarring shifts. The SRG-360SHE’s built-in CGI gives complete flexibility for video professionals and provides full access to camera function such as exposure, white balance and gain.

The SRG-360SHE pricing will be announced when released.

Ahead of InfoComm, taking place from 8 to 10 June in Las Vegas, Sony announced the launch of its CLEDIS™ display technology, a new large-scale canvas solution that builds on Sony’s self-emitting display capabilities, but with ultrafine LED’s as the light source, to deliver a single high resolution image at an extraordinary scale.

“It’s a new type of canvas for limitless flexibility and creativity in public spaces and high-end visual entertainment,’ said Peter Kyriakos, head of Marketing, Sony Professional Solutions MEA. “Compared to the technologies currently available for large-scale display, it’s a leap forward in depth, contrast, colour, resolution, and pure visual impact.’

The new display technology is designed for commercial applications and immersive experiences, from industrial product design and manufacturing, theme parks, museums, and high-traffic lobbies to corporate boardrooms and broadcast studios – any environment requiring realistic simulation on a large scale and detailed video displays.

The self-emitting display technology uses RGB ultrafine LEDs mounted on the display surface, with each pixel emitting light independently. Each pixel is only 0.003 mm2 in size, allowing the remaining surface area to be more than 99 per cent black.

This high black-to-surface ratio contributes to the technology’s high contrast ratio in light and dark viewing environments. The surface-mounted light source also improves light use efficiency.

The technology has a viewing angle of nearly 180 degrees, with corner-to-corner image uniformity in terms of brightness and colour, even on a large screen. The canvas has a brightness of 1000 cd/m2 (1000 nits), and will support High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, producing imagery with 10-bit colour depth and a wide colour gamut (approximately 140 per cent of sRGB).

The scalable system is made up of multiple display units (each measuring 18 x 16 inches) that can be joined together with no bezels to create a limitless and seamless large-screen display.

The canvas also features Sony’s unique pixel drive circuitry, to achieve fast video response with a frame rate of 120fps. This is critical for sports, concerts, or training simulations, where users need to present large screen visuals with no delay or motion artifacts.

The new technology – display unit and display controller – will be shown for the first time at InfoComm 2016 in an 8Kx2K, 32’x9’ configuration and is planned to be available in early 2017.

For more information visit the Sony website.

In response to the strong demand from the UAE’s videography community, Sony Professional Solutions MEA and Dubai Studio City (DSC), supported by CABSAT, have announced the extension of their first happiness-themed videography competition. Following the numerous requests from the video enthusiasts’ community, the deadline of the competition has been extended until 30 September 2016.

The competition launched at CABSAT in March this year, and invited five-minute video submissions from both the professional and student community to visually capture what happiness means to them.

“Since the launch of the competition, we have received significant number of entries, which creatively portray various individual perceptions of happiness. As more individuals genuinely expressed their interest in sharing video content and being part of the campaign, we will be extending our deadline to allow more professionals and students to share their creative content. We are delighted to have received such positive interest and we are very keen to see more, brilliant short-films,’ said Peter Kyriakos, head of Marketing, Sony Professional Solutions MEA.

Videography enthusiasts can use any camera to produce their short film entry, which should be under five minutes, and the competition will have two categories; “professional’ and “students’. The best short film in the professional category will walk away with the Sony PXW-FS5 and the winning entry from the student category will receive the Sony Alpha 7S II.

Dubai Studio City will assist all participants in applying for a general filming permit to film across various locations in Dubai, as part of its commitment towards nurturing talent and encouraging the development of new content and ideas.

The entries will be judged for their creativity, uniqueness and difficulty of the shot by an eminent panel of film professionals. Entries must be submitted by 23h59 U.A.E time on 30 September and the winners will be announced in October 2016.

For more information visit the Sony website.