Sony Press

Sony Professional will be exhibiting a number of products and workflows at Mediatech Africa, which runs from 15 to 17 July at the TicketPro Dome, Johannesburg.

Camcorders

Sony’s range of camcorders, including the new 3-chip 2/3-inch type CMOS 4K system camera; Super 35mm 4K CMOS sensor based camcorder for cinematography; and 1/3 inch-type ENG style camcorder; will feature at the Sony stand (Stand D37) at Mediatech Africa. Visitors can find out how XAVC is able to transform production workflows and explore the popular FS7 and Alpha 7 4K cameras’ low light shooting capabilities.

Sony 4K live production

This solution delivers sports the way it was meant to be seen. The new system not only provides 4K resolution; it also brings new capabilities to HD production. Aside from featuring 4K cameras, Sony will showcase workflows from shooting to viewing.

Innovative display solutions

Sony will be giving live demonstrations of the world’s first 4K Ultra Short Throw laser projector, which delivers images with incredible clarity. The VPL-GTZ1 provides superb colour accuracy and stability plus virtually maintenance-free operation.

Optical disc archive solutions

These solutions offer reliable and robust large-capacity media for long-term deep archive and near-online archive, with total integration with news and broadcast workflows.

Visit Sony Professional at stand D37.

At InfoComm 2015, Sony unveiled the SRG-120DU, the latest member of the popular SRG high definition remote-operated camera line-up. Taking its place alongside Sony’s popular SRG-300SE, SRG-120DH and SRG-300H PTZ cameras, the SRG-120DU is the first in the PTZ line to feature a USB 3.0 interface and is UVC video compatible.

The SRG-120DU provides the ultimate in simplicity for bringing professional visual communications to the PC environment by being able to readily connect with Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) and multimedia streaming devices. Its extremely wide field of view (71°) and a 12x optical/12x digital zoom auto focus lens makes it ideal for small to mid-sized rooms. Its all-in-one compact and lightweight design makes it easy to install in a variety of locations and is available in a silver housing.

“The new SRG-120DU camera takes the core concept of providing professional HD video with ease of installation and operation to a new level,” said Vivian Saldanha, business head, Content Creation Sales and Market Development, Sony Professional Solutions MEA. “Plugging the camera directly to PC through its USB 3.0 input converts any boardroom, classroom, courtroom or medical space into a professional video collaboration environment.”

Professional imaging with webcam simplicity

While enjoying the ease of operation of a consumer webcam, the SRG-120DU is ideal for customers that need a higher quality image than they can achieve with a consumer webcam. The SRG-120DU combines high speed data transfer of uncompressed video signals resulting in high quality, full HD images with its latest imaging advances to instantly adapt to even the most challenging lighting conditions. It incorporates Sony’s high-sensitivity 1/2.8 -type Exmor™ CMOS sensor and the latest View-DR™ technology. View-DR provides extremely wide dynamic range with Sony’s full-capture Wide-D to compensate for backlight or changing lighting conditions. In addition, its XDNR technology reduces noise and provides clear images in low light environments. The camera also features fast and silent pan, tilt and zoom capabilities. The drive motor noise is less than 35dB – making it suitable for use in noise-restricted environments such as hospitals, class rooms and
meeting rooms.

Designed for professional and casual camera operators

Pan/Tilt/Zoom controls are operated by VISCA protocols through either the RS-232C (serial) connector or RJ-45 (IP) connection, allowing for either local or remote operation. It 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. While designed to allow non-professionals to produce expert results, the SRG-series PC control software gives complete flexibility for video professionals and provides full access to camera function such as exposure, white balance and gain.

In April, Sony introduced the new HDC-4300 4K system camera.

The HDC-4300 delivers 4K/HD capabilities for Sports and Event Broadcast, up to 8x Super-Slow Motion in HD Resolution and Proven HDC Series Performance. Sony’s next generation of HDC series camera technology provides the ability to use the high-magnification, wide-zoom range lenses currently employed by HD 2/3-inch systems while maintaining an adequate depth of field to properly show all the action in live event broadcasting.

The new HDC-4300 is the world’s first camera to use three 2/3-inch 4K image sensors. It supports the same B4-mount lenses as well as the same control surfaces as Sony’s industry leading HDC-2000 series cameras. The existing HDLA-1500 series, control and shading systems, viewfinders and master set-up units are all interchangeable between the HD and 4K systems. Directors and operators can keep their approach to live events – including camera angles, zoom ranges and iris settings – while using familiar camera technology.

“This camera provides 4K capabilities and a workflow that content producers are instantly familiar and comfortable with,’ says Vivian Saldanha, business head, Content Creation Sales and Market Development, Sony Professional Solutions MEA. “We’ve developed an approach that allows the large existing HDC series user base to employ 4K advantages such as 8x high frame rate and 4K cut-out and zoom while using a familiar infrastructure and signal path.’

Direct attachment of B4 HD lenses

Standard large-format B4-mount lenses mount directly onto the HDC-4300. This gives broadcasters the flexibility needed for live sports broadcasts: 4K capabilities while maintaining their customary HD-lens operating styles.

SZC-4001 software
Sony’s SZC-4001 software package (sold separately) allows broadcasters to take advantage of 4K capabilities.

Super slow motion (up to 8x) at HD resolution
The SZC-4002 software package (sold separately) enables the system to shoot full HD (1920 x 1080) at frame rates up to 479.52/400 fps, as well as 59.94/50, 119.88/100, and 179.82/150 fps. Users can save these high-frame-rate shots to Sony’s PWS-4400multiport 4K/HD Live Server.

HD/4K live production for sports
The HDC-4300 accepts the same configurations as existing 4K live systems. A BPU-4000 baseband processor unit receives the camera signals via SMPTE fibre and connects to an HDCU-2000 or 2500 camera control unit. This provides power and full intercom, tally and return capabilities.

Users can seamlessly blend an HDC-4300-based system with existing HDC Series camera system. The HD signals from the HDC Series cameras and from the new camera system can be adjusted to match colourimetry.

The addition of other 4K products, such as the PWS-4400 multi-port 4K/HD Live server, a multi-format switcher capable of real-time 4K signal processing based on the MVS-8000X, and Sony’s new BVM-X300 4K OLED or PMW-X300 4K LCD monitors creates an end-to-end 4K live production solution.

HDC-4300 – additional features:
• HD cut-outs – two full HD images to be cut out from the 4K picture in real-time including a selectable zoom and perspective mode
• Many of the picture adjustment functions of HDC Series cameras are supported by the HDC-4300 system
• Dynamic focus (4K focus-assist function) – a focus point can be displayed on the viewfinder with a marker in 4K mode for easy focusing
• Auto lens aberration compensation 2 (ALAC2) function
• Colour reproduction adjustment functions
• Gamma table selection
• User gamma function
• Natural skin-tone detail function
• Knee saturation function
• Low-key saturation function

The HDC-4300 4K/HD live camera system is planned to be available in summer of 2015.

For more information from Sony at NAB, visit www.sony-psmea.com/nab

Sony PMW-PZ1 playback and storage solution for 4K/ HD
• Supports 4K (24p to 60p) and HD video
• Supports a variety of formats, including XAVC Intra and Long, MPEG HD422, MPEG
HD
• Features SxS card slot, HDMI output, 3G/HD-SDI outputs, analogue audio output and front-panel LCD screen
• Capable of playback, copying and monitoring of 4K and HD video across a range of
professional and consumer video applications
• 4K or HD images captured by XAVC and MPEG-enabled cameras can be immediately reviewed in the PMW-PZ1 or easily output to a professional monitor or consumer TV via HDMI.
• Can output 4K or HD video to digital signage or projection systems

Sony’s HDC series camera technology provides the ability to use the high magnification wide zoom range lenses currently employed by HD 2/3-inch systems while maintaining an adequate depth of field to properly show all the action in live event broadcasting.

The new HDC-4300 is the world’s first camera to use three 2/3-inch 4K image sensors. It supports the same B4-mount lenses as well as the same control surfaces as Sony’s industry leading HDC-2000 series cameras. The existing HDLA-1500 series, control and shading systems, viewfinders and master set-up units are all interchangeable between the HD and 4K systems. Directors and operators can keep their approach to live events – including camera angles, zoom ranges and iris settings – while using familiar camera technology.

Vivian Saldanha, business head, content creation sales and market development, Sony Professional Solutions MEA says, “We’ve developed an approach that allows the large existing HDC series user base to employ 4K advantages such as 8x high frame rate and 4K cut-out and zoom while using a familiar infrastructure and signal path.’

The new HDC-4300 is capable of 4K/HD operation, with2x, 3x Super Slow Motion as standard, and higher speeds up to 8x available, to produce high-quality replays and specialty program effects.

The camera uses ultra-high-precision alignment technology to realise three 4K sensor on a new prism. This allows the support of the next-generation ITU-R BT.2020 broadcast standard’s widened colour space for future-proof masters or post-production options for today’s productions shown on tomorrow’s 4K services.

The PMW-PZ1 by Sony is a playback and storage solution for 4K/HD shooting and post-production applications. As a multi-format player, the PZ1 supports 4K (24p to 60p) and HD video, along with a variety of formats, including XAVC Intra & Long, MPEG HD422 and MPEG HD (both via future firmware upgrades).

The PMW-PZ1 has an SxS card slot, an HDMI output, four 3G/HD-SDI outputs, analog audio output (L/R), and a front-panel colour LCD screen. These interfaces enable playback, copying and monitoring of 4K and HD video across a range of professional and consumer video applications.

During field or location shoots, 4K or HD images captured by Sony XAVC and MPEG-enabled cameras can be immediately reviewed on the PMW-PZ1, or easily output to a professional monitor or consumer TV via HDMI. The player can output 4K or HD video to digital signage or projection systems through the player, and users can copy data on SxS media directly to an external storage device.

The PMW-PZ1 will be on display at the NAB show in Las Vegas, which runs from 11 to 16 April 2015.

Sony’s new BVM-X300 is its first OLED master monitor to combine 4K resolution, high dynamic range and a wide colour gamut display. The new 30-inch model expands Sony’s Trimaster EL series and provides an OLED option for professional video production applications including colour grading, on-set monitoring and quality control in a 4K workflow.

“This new monitor offers the same performance of all our Trimaster EL OLED monitors, including unparalleled black performance, colour reproduction, quick pixel response,’ said Gary Mandle, senior product manager for professional displays. “The addition of features like 4K resolution, HDR and an RGB OLED panel for wider colour gamut and better colour uniformity make this an invaluable on-set tool for production professionals.’

In addition to the high-contrast performance of the entire Trimaster EL OLED panel, this new monitor provides High Dynamic Range mode, giving users the ability to view the entire range of an image accurately and clearly.

“This feature offers never-seen-before image reproduction – the black is black, and peak brightness can be reproduced more realistically with colours that are typically saturated in a conventional standard dynamic range,’ said Mandle. “This mode can brilliantly express sparkling town lights and stars in the night sky.

The BVM-X300 monitor has a new integrated control panel with integrated inputs. This means there are no options required to complete the system, giving users a “plug-and-play’ system right out of the box.

The emission layers in the new monitor’s 4K panel as well as new layering design give the BVM-X300 the ability to display ITU-R BT709 and DCI-P3 colour gamuts more accurately than any previous Sony Trimaster display. In addition, the new BVM-X300 can display 80% of the new ITU-R BT2020 colour gamut.

This master monitor supports both 2 Sample Interleave (2SI) and Square Division signals. It also supports HD signals including 3G-SDI Quad-link up to 4096 x 2160/48p 50p 60p, 3G-SDI single link for 1920 x 1080/50p 60p, YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, and 3G-SDI dual link for 1920 x1080/50p 60p, 4:4:4 12/10-bit.

Sony’s FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G is the world’s first ever full-frame powered zoom lens for the FE-mount system. It offers both videographers and still photographers the capability to capture immense amounts of flawless detail whether shooting 4K video, full HD or stills.

It features the following:
• New “Smooth Motion Optics’ design for serious movie-makers
• Smooth and silent drive with Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) for zooming and “double linear motor’ for focusing
• Separate focus, iris and zoom rings for professional operation
• Optical SteadyShot in-lens image stabilisation
• Compact and portable with dust and moisture resistant design
• Equivalent focal length over a 35mm sensor of 42-202.5mm
• Maximum magnification ration of 0.15x
• Minimum focus distance: 0.4m (W) – 0.95m (T) (AF, MF); 0.95m (Full MF)