Sony Press

Hawk-Eye and Sony have collaborated to develop a solution that intelligently streamlines the live production workflow and significantly reduces the price of live sports production – without impacting on the quality of the output.

Hawk-Eye’s Intelligent Production service combines automated player-tracking cameras with an IT based software platform to deliver a fully managed live production service, ideal for smaller sports events that struggle to secure broadcast coverage or larger sports events that want to maximise their output across broadcast and digital channels cost effectively.

With a normal internet connection on-site (30MB) cameras can even be controlled from a remote location and output can be configured to deliver live HD SDI to an uplink, or transcoded directly to an internet connection.

The system’s flexible software can be configured for functions that include:
• Video capture (max of 12xHD SDI, 4xSuper Motion SDI, or 1xUltra Motion 340 fps per server)
• Vision switching
• Replay generation
• Graphics overlay
• Audio mixing
• Colour balancing
• SD/HD SDI output or transcode directly to the internet
• Tally light controls (when manned cameras are used)
• Simultaneous camera replay

Sony has announced a new camera as part of its XDCAM range – the PXW-X500, a solid-state memory camcorder which combines sensitivity of picture capture with ergonomic design and support for a wide variety of recording formats. In addition, Sony announced the new PMW-RX50 XDCAM portable recorder, which features a compact, lightweight design and is capable of SxS recording and playback.

Olivier Bovis, marketing director of AV and media solutions for Sony Professional Solutions Europe says, “Sony continues to pursue high picture quality and efficient workflows that fulfill the exacting requirements of broadcasters everywhere. The launch of these new camcorders, portable recorders and XAVC upgrades bears testament to Sony’s total solutions approach in ensuring that XDCAM users continue to remain at the forefront of technology and productivity, and enjoy options to future-proof their assets.’

The PXW-X500 XDCAM

The PXW-X500 delivers high picture quality due to its unique three-chip 2/3-inch type new CCD image sensors, which serve to eliminate issues associated with motion artefact and rolling shutters. The camcorder is ideal on a 1080 progressive platform for a broad range of HD production applications, such as ENG, sports productions, live productions and documentaries.

High sensitivity and high signal-to-noise ratio

Three newly-developed 2/3-inch-type Power HAD™ FX CCDs produce high- quality pictures with high signal-to-noise ratios (60dB), while maintaining the high sensitivity levels (F11 at 1080/59.94i and F12 at 1080/50i).

Multi-format recording

The PXW-X500 offers a wide array of traditional and new recording formats, including SD formats such as MPEG IMX and DVCAM, HD formats such as MPEG-4 SStP and MPEG HD422, plus XAVC Intra 4:2:2 1080 59.94/50i and XAVC Long 4:2:2 1080 59.94/50p. In early 2015, the PXW-X500 will also support Apple ProRes and Avid® DNxHD® as further options.

Powerful Slow and Quick Motion function By utilising the XAVC codec, the X500 can record at a maximum frame rate of 1080/120p, which is a slow motion effect five times higher than the industry standard frame rate of 23.98p made possible by newly developed CCD image sensors and the camcorder’s strong image processing abilities.

Built-in wireless module

The PXW-X500 can be operated remotely from compatible Wi-Fi devices such as tablets and smartphones, via a supplied IFU-WLM3 USB wireless LAN module. Proxy video files can be created onto SD cards in four different proxy XAVC settings to help users adapt to field constraints, while proxy file transfer and hi- res file transfer are also possible across Wi-Fi or Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks.

Upcoming 2015 upgrade

In early 2015, the X500 will offer live streaming of proxy content over Wi-Fi or LTE. The streaming function will also become available for Sony’s PXW-X180 XDCAM handheld solid-state memory camcorder and will be compatible with the CBK-WA100 and CBK-WA101 adapters, which allow XAVC proxy files to be created and saved on an SD card housed within the adapter.

The PMW-RX50 portable recorder

The PMW-RX50 portable recorder supports the XAVC Intra 4:2:2 1080/59.94p and XAVC Long 4:2:2 1080/59.94p formats, as well as traditional formats such as MPEG HD 4:2:2, 4:2:0, MPEG IMX and DVCAM. It has been created to act as an ideal companion to the PXW-X500, especially in applications such as field shoots and on-site location shoots.

Sony has also announced that the PMW-1000 XDCAM HD422 recorder will become capable of supporting XAVC Long 4:2:2 1080/50i by means of a new, free software version upgrade, as will the PMW-300 and PMW-400 XDCAM camcorders.

Sony Electronics recently announced a new partnership for their Action Cam line with Tony Hawk and his Birdhouse Skateboards team for the 2014 Birdhouse On The Road Tour. Sony’s Action Cam AS100V will be used to capture high-quality POV footage of the annual Birdhouse Summer tour, beginning 11 August 2014 at Ollie’s Skatepark, Cincinnati, Ohio.

This year’s tour line-up includes Tony Hawk, Aaron “Jaws’ Homoki, Ben Raybourn, Clint Walker, David Loy, Kevin Staab, Willy Santos, Clive Dixon, Mike Davis, Shawn Hale, and Shaun Gregoire.

Sony’s flagship Action Cam AS100V model includes the following key features:
• Best in class image stabilization and low-light shooting capabilities for smooth HD video output in all environments, day or night
• Unique Live View Remote accessory that utilizes Wi-Fi to provide live image preview on LCD, improving overall framing and recording experience
• One remote can control up to 5 cameras simultaneously, making it easy to coordinate and execute multi-camera shoots
• Water-resistant camera body
• Pro-quality HD video capture utilizing XAVC-S codec (50mbps)
• Higher data stream means more finely detailed video that captures all the action in a higher quality than ever before
• GPS on camera and GPS overlay in post shooting

For more information on Sony’s Action Cam line visit the Action Cam website

Sony’s new professional 4K projector delivers the highest brightness of any projector the company has so far released – 23 000 centre lumens, and up to 30 000 in high brightness mode.

The new SRX-T423 3D dual projection system is designed for installation flexibility in large-venue commercial applications such as entertainment, auditorium/lecture hall presentations, simulation, theme parks, museums and planetariums.

The 4K resolution (4096 x 2160) projector more than doubles the light efficiency of competitive 3D systems, with 40 000 lumens of 3D brightness in dual projection mode. In addition to its high brightness, it delivers a contrast ratio of 3 000:1.

The new projector was built to offer system integrators and AV professionals ease of use, while reducing maintenance issues. For example, the T423 can be fitted with lenses from other models in the SRX series line, and the unit also offers a vertical tilt angle of +/- 30 degrees, ideal for dome configurations.

The SXRD projector’s 4K resolution is derived from its 4096 by 2160 pixel matrix, providing more than 8.8 million pixels, and allowing it to deliver more than four times the resolution of today’s consumer high-definition televisions. Sony’s 4K technology is used worldwide for a range of commercial applications such as computer visualisation, planetarium and museum exhibition, command and control, simulation, scientific research, education and defence.

The SRX-T423 projector will be availabe in September.

The Sony 4K SXRD projector delivers supreme brightness with 23,000 centre lumens, which increases to 30,000 in high brightness mode.

Designed to be installed in a variety of large commercial settings such as entertainment venues, auditorium or lecture halls, theme parks, museums and planetariums, the new SRX-T423 3D dual projection system offers 4K resolution which is over twice as light efficient as competitive systems. The 4096 by 2160 pixel matrix translates to over 8.8 m pixels, which is more than four times the resolution of today’s consumer high-definition televisions.

System integrators and AV professionals will find the versatile system easy to use and maintain. Conveniently, the projector can be fitted with other SRX series lenses and also caters to dome configurations by offering a vertical tilt angle of approximately 30 degrees.

The SRX-T423 projector is scheduled for availability in September.

Visit the Sony website for more information.

At CABSAT, the main production and broadcast trade show for the Middle East, which was held in Dubai, UAE in March, Sony Professional showcased the company’s “Beyond Definition’ vision through a wide array of cameras, professional monitors and workflow solutions.

The PMW-F55 was an important part of Sony’s exhibition at CABSAT. It forms part of the company’s 4K Live Production solution. A live demo of the 4K Live Production system was demonstrated at Sony’s stand. It included the F55 4K system camera chain configuration and the 4K slo-mo server. For production companies to get the full benefit of this function, Sony offers the BPU-4000 baseband processor and SCZ-2002 slo-mo software and PWS-4400 server as part of the production system. With the knowledge that broadcasters around the world are still transmitting in HD rather than 4K, Sony devised the BPU-4000 processor which works with HD camera Control units to allow producers to exploit 4K production technology in order to maximise their HD productions. The system, in addition to allowing simultaneous HD and 4K shooting, as well as live 4K to HD down conversion, includes useful tools like HD cut from4K footage, which allows reframing, image stabilisation and digital zoom with no loss of HD quality.

As Sony’s official press release on the CABSAT exhibition said: “Being deeply committed to bringing high quality content to the mainstream consumer market, Sony ensures the quality of content recorded in 4K to allow broadcasters, production companies and videographers of all sizes to build a future-proof catalogue of high-end content straight away.’

Tagra Productions, a French production company, shot a 4K production in Tahiti with the Sony F55 Camera, which can record both 4K and HD rushes concurrently.  The benefits of having instant access to HD and 4K versions of their material proved invaluable to Producer Olivier Chiabodo, who said he wanted to gain added value by having all of the different options for screening available to the production team, both for television and cinemas.

Chaiboda said: “From a producer’s point of view, the global strategy is to try to capture very high quality shots which we can then use in whichever way we want. Choosing the Sony F55 camera meant that we could generate both HD and 4K raw images which represent the island’s strong heritage.

“We were therefore able to operate very quickly editing in HD on a day-to-day basis while at the same time storing our 4K raw material. This allowed us to edit the footage for the cinema in particular for the Nuit de la Glisse and probably also for commercials for French Polynesia.’

Lighting Cameraman Laurent Celarie added: “We used the F55 for several reasons. It is possible to shoot in two formats simultaneously recording both heritage shots and fast news clips for quick viewing. We shot with the XDCAM HD 422 and chose the 4K resolution to film all the natural and cultural shots, all the aerial images and all the aspects we wanted to catch for Polynesia and its tourism companies.’

Tagra Productions intends to continue shooting in French Polynesia, capturing the heritage of the Marquesas, Gambier and Austral Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago. The aim is that by scripting their collection of images, they will be able to create a feature film.

“A single unique capture using the Sony F55 allows us to move from simple HD news material every evening to a reworked cinema screening. From a production company perspective, this process is invaluable because during a shoot we can do what we want with all the media we have produced and that has high added value for a producer,’ Chaiboda concluded.

Visit the Sony UK website for more information.

The popular Sony NEX-FS700 HD camcorder is available in standard form equipped with a new 4K Exmor Super 35 CMOS sensor (total 11.6 million pixels) capable of cranking at up to 960 frames per second. This high-speed readout chip is optimised for motion picture shooting, producing exceptional image fidelity with high sensitivity, low noise and minimal aliasing.

As a relatively low budget device, the NEX-FS700 is a remarkable camera and is used across a broad spectrum of productions from features, commercials to corporate productions. It can in many areas compete with its bigger brother, the PMW-F55 camera, which costs several hundreds of thousands of rands more. The main difference however is its inability to provide a RAW output.

The NEX-FS700 started as a 4K sensor Super 35mm camcorder capable of a vast array of high frame rate and recording options to the superb on-board AVC-HD recording capability. It essentially records in HD.

Local Sony accredited technical support company Central Engineering has completed the upgrade of the firmware into two NEX-FS700 camcorders, enabling them to now record linear RAW with 12-bit precision to the HXR-IFR5 RAW interface, plus AXS-R5 memory recorder which is sold separately. Another local company, Visual Impact, is the only other company able to do this firmware update, although all Sony accredited dealers are also able to perform this procedure.

“This update,’ says Central Engineering’s Ivor Westpfahl, “enables continuous, full 2K resolution recordings at: 23.98, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100, 120, 200 and 240fps. The upgrade is also capable of continuous full 4K RAW recoding at: 23.98, 25, 30, 50 and 60fps.’

The system can also record 120fps at 4K resolution in four-second “bursts’ that result in 20 second at 24fps. An additional hardware interface, the Convergent Design’s Odyssey 7Q records 2K, uncompressed, Cinema DNG up to 240fps and 4K DPX up to 30fps when connected to the FS700U.

Other key creative controls are also enhanced, namely increasing the camera’s ISO range; from 320 ~ 20 000 to 320 ~ 64 000. It also adds S Log2 and 800% 709 gamma curves widely enhancing its exposure latitude HD capability. Monitoring is accomplished from a BNC feed from the camera.

Compared to its big brother the DSF-55, which offers RAW as standard, the NEX-FS700 with the RAW update offers truly exceptional value for money and upgrades the camera to include top end feature film usage.

Different formats

“There are various different RAW formats,’ advises Westpfahl, “so if a facilities company is going to use the files on say a Baselight or Da Vinci Resolve, it will need to acquire the appropriate software in order to understand the RAW output from the NEX-FX700 camera.

“The camera will obviously also allow you to shoot in its normal HD mode up to 1 000 or 960fps. It shoots at 1 920/1 080 up to 240fps and from there up to 1 000fps it drops it down to 1 080/720.

“When you are using the camera to shoot in RAW format it is not able to shoot up to 1 000fps because the data throughput is too high, so you are shooting 2K RAW at 240fps or 4K RAW up to 60fps. If you consider this camera is to be used in South Africa with a 50i PAL television scenario, then this changes to 50fps for 4K RAW and 200fps for 4K RAW. The software includes the S Log2 option which basically changes the gamma curves.’

A special jig is required to hook up a laptop to actually “talk’ to the camera board. The top section of the camera must be removed, which then exposes a connector in the body of the camera. A cable is then plugged in to this connector and this goes to an interface unit which then feeds into the laptop via a USB connector. The appropriate firmware from Sony is then required for the laptop.

“A NEX-FX700 camera was purchased recently by a film production company and the firmware update was installed,’ says Westpfahl. “They wanted an inexpensive RAW camera. They already owned the recorder which is the expensive part, as well as the interface unit, so they only required the software upgrade.’

The upgrade also enhances other key creative controls: increasing the camera’s ISO range from 320 ~ 20 000 to 320 ~ 64 000, while the S Log2 allows 800% 709 gamma curves, widely enhancing its exposure latitude HD capability. The upgrade also enhances other key creative controls; increasing the camera’s ISO range; from 320 ~ 20 000 to 320 ~ 64 000. It also adds S Log2 and 800% 709 gamma curves widely enhancing its exposure latitude HD capability.

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.