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The new Sony HDC-4800: 4K at 8x slo-mo
Sony is majoring on 4K and HDR ecosystems at NAB, including new cameras, displays, live broadcast IP improvements and the next generation of its Optical Disc Archive System.
Upon arriving in Las Vegas for NAB Show 2016, I barely had time to check my bag with the Hard Rock Hotel staff before rushing to the Sony news conference in the hotel's Muse Ballroom. I entered the packed hall just as the event was kicking off. I'm glad that I made it, because Sony's conference was packed with new products that should be of interest to film and video professionals, especially for those in the live broadcast arena.
New Cameras
The star of the event, which was given its proper billing at the show's conclusion, was undoubtedly the HDC-4800 4K 8x ultra high framerate camera system. Sony exhibited snowmobile footage shot with the camera at 8x slo-mo at 4K resolution. The subject was well-chosen and the result was impressive, as snow flying into the air in the wake of these snowmobiles really showed off the clarity of the image at high framerates. For those that may need to go even slower, the HD setting takes the high frame rate capability even further, up to 16x. This imager employs a new super35 sensor and supports both 709 and the wider 2020 colour space. HDR support is in the works.
Fans of Sony's XDCAM line may be pleased to learn of the just announced shoulder-mounted PXW-Z450, which uses a 2/3" sensor to capture 4K/UHD video. For those that require better low light capability, Sony also debuted the PXW-Z150, sporting a 1" sensor. Both cameras feature networking functionality, making them attractive options for live broadcasts.
55" 4K OLED for HDR
Sony also lifted the veil on the PVM-X550, a massive 55" monitor with 12-bit signal processing, allowing for accurate viewing of high dynamic range video. Here at RedShark, we've been great proponents of HDR ever since we experienced Dolby's treatment of HDR displays. Sony's large monitor fills a need and prior gap in the company's HDR ecosystem. Now, the PVM-X550 joins the popular 30" BVM-X300 HDR display in its line-up, giving productions and exhibitors even more options.
For those that need to monitor multiple streams of HD content, the PVM-X550 supports quad-view, meaning you can view four discreet 1080 streams at once.
IP Live production improvements
Sony showed off its IP Live Production improvements by way of a short video presentation, featuring one of the local operators in Brazil that is gearing up for the Summer Olympics in Rio. The roving production utilizes Sony's Networked Media Interface (NMI) to power its live 4K IP broadcasts, while keeping costs down and allowing greater scalability, as compared with traditional SDI live production workflows.
Next Gen Archiving
Sony also announced the second generation of its Optical Disc Archive System, which offers across the board improvements over its previous iteration. Gen one claimed over 50 year shelf life and max 1.5TB capacity. Gen two claims a 100 year shelf life, double the transfer rates and max 3.3TB cartridges.
Archiving has been a hot topic at RedShark, as we're cognizant of its growing import as file sizes perpetually balloon. Sony, too, has apparently placed emphasis on new archival solutions, as its Optical Disc Archive System, Gen 2, will begin a testing phase with select high profile clients, including the Golf Channel, the first broadcaster to sign on for the new standard.
Much more Sony
We've highlighted what we think are the most impactful announcements from Sony at NAB Show 2016, but the company has much more news for video pros, including an entry level studio camera, a wireless microphone system and more. Check out the Press Release on Page Two for a full listing.
Press Release: Sony @ NAB 2016
At NAB 2016, Sony is showcasing new technologies and workflows for HD, 4K, high dynamic range, storage and IP.
Sony’s exhibit features new models and updates to widely used products -- camcorders, cameras, monitors, switchers, storage/archiving, and wireless transmission for broadcast, production, sports, and live events.
More information is available at: blog.sony.com/nabshow, and follow Sony using hashtag #SonyNABShow16.
The following are highlights from Sony’s NAB 2016 news:
· HDC-4800 4K 8x ultra high frame rate camera system
· PVM-X550 55-inch quad-view large screen TRIMASTER EL™ 4K OLED monitor
· Optical Disc Archive Generation 2, high-performance hardware and media for archive and storage
· PXW-Z450 4K shoulder-mount XDCAM camcorder
· Network Media Interface (NMI) for Sony’s IP Live Production system
· XVS Series Switchers, XVS-7000 and XVS-6000
· Media Backbone Hive
· LMD-B170 17-inch HD LCD monitor
· HXC-FB75 entry level studio camera
· XDCAM Air wireless workflow
· UWP-D Wireless Microphone System, URX-P03D
Business Updates
· Public Media Management, which launched last year, is running Master Control for 7 PBS stations, handling 24 streams. WYES in New Orleans will be going live soon.
· Sony’s Media Cloud Service is expanding. TEGNA Media is using the platform for central distribution of its stations’ syndicated content. CBS signed on to use Sony's Cloud platform for network news.
· Sony’s Hawkeye live sports tracking solution -- now installed in over 450 stadiums worldwide, and used by over a dozen major sports leagues, including a new rugby league that starts April 17.
Cameras and camcorders
Sony cameras are used in every production genre at every budget level: feature films, news, documentary, episodic television, sports, commercials, OTT and more.
Sony’s new HDC-4800 camera system combines 4K resolution with enhanced high frame rate capabilities -- 8x at 4K, and up to 16x in full HD. This power is combined with HD cut-out and zoom capabilities for sports and live event production. The new HDC-4800 is complemented by the BPU-4800 combination baseband processor unit/replay server creating a fully networked, 4K live ultra-high speed production workflow.
The HDC-4800 uses a new Super 35mm 4K CMOS sensor and wide color space (BT.2020 and BT.709). It supports PL mount lenses to capture high resolution, crisp images for live sports shooting. HDR support is under development and will be available in the near future.
Storage
Sony is unveiling the second generation of its Optical Disc Archive System which adopts new, high-capacity optical media, rated with a 100 year shelf life with double the transfer rate and double the capacity of a single cartridge at 3.3 TB. The Generation 2 Optical Disc Archive System also introduces an 8-channel optical drive unit, doubling the read/write speeds of the previous generation, helping to meet the data needs of real-time 4K production.
Optical Disc Archive technology is designed for use as a near-line, deep archive storage or disaster recovery systems, ranging from large scalable robotics down to stand-alone archive systems. Sony is also embracing an open platform approach for broad compatibility, providing technologies and support to encourage other manufacturers to develop complementary products for the technology. Currently, 42 companies have announced their support for Optical Disc Archive.
Support for this system is growing, with current customers including the Fox Station Group, Alabama Public TV and WRAL/Capitol Broadcasting.
There is support for Gen 2 from several customers. The Golf Channel, Sony’s first customer in the U.S., is committed to Gen 2, and several others will begin testing Gen 2 soon.
High Dynamic Range
At NAB 2015, Sony introduced its first 4K OLED reference monitor for critical viewing – the BVM-X300. Already, it’s become the de facto reference standard for 4K and HDR grading.
This year, Sony adds a new monitor – the PVM-X550, a 55-inch, OLED panel with 12-bit signal processing, perfect for client viewing. The TRIMASTER EL™ PVM-X550 supports HDR through various Electro-Optical Transfer Functions (EOTF), such as S-Log3, SMPTE ST.2084 and Hybrid Log-Gamma, covering applications for both cinematography and broadcast. The PVM-X550 is a quad-view OLED monitor, which allows customized individual display settings across four distinct views in HD. It is equipped with the same signal-processing engine as the BVM-X300, providing a 12-bit output signal for picture accuracy and consistency. It also supports industry standard color spaces including the wider ITU-R BT.2020 for Ultra High Definition.
IP
Sony is enhancing its fully interoperable IP Live Production system with Networked Media Interface (NMI). The new suite of solutions has been developed to help broadcasters make the most of IP technology, allowing them to deliver on the increasing demand for 4K live content while addressing the cost and scalability issues associated with conventional SDI live production workflows.
Sony will be demonstrating its continued commitment to delivering IP interoperability among a wide range of compatible live production products through its IP Live Alliance. The Alliance has, with the recent participation of Grass Valley, now grown to 49 vendors across the live production space, and support is continuing to grow as more broadcasters adopt IP Live.
XDCAM
Sony also delivers 4K through its XDCAM family. The newest addition to the XDCAM shoulder-mount camcorder lineup, PXW-Z450, captures 4K (3840 x 2160) picture quality from a new 2/3-type Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, with exceptional weight balance and low power consumption alongside networking features. Another addition is the PXW-Z150 with 1.0-type sensor that delivers low-light performance and networking features for fast turn-around workflows.
XDCAM Air – Sony’s XDCAM technology is a standard for ENG and field production, evolving from optical disc to file-based workflows. Sony is developing new wireless workflows to support the current requirements of news production, using 4G/LTE networks for media delivery. XDCAM Air is a cloud-based ENG service that integrates existing Sony wireless solutions and adds new features such as a mobile application, live streaming edit integration with NLE and enhanced remote control capabilities.
AXS-R7 portable memory recorder for the F5 and F55 is designed for the more demanding requirements of working in 2K and 4K RAW.
The R7 records 4K at a continuous 120 frames per second in 16 bit RAW, in full resolution, with no line skipping.
It also supports up to 30 seconds cache recording in 4K RAW at 24P, great for documentary or wildlife shooters who need to capture spontaneous action.
Sony is also introducing new cards that double the speed of existing media to 4.8 gigabits per second, for sustained 120 frame RAW recording.
Technology Upgrades
· BVM-X300 -- update for support of both Hybrid Log-Gamma formats, safe and aspect markers, XYZ color modulation and 1.5G dual link inputs.
· F55 – version 8 adds support for XAVC 4K class 480, for professionals that need higher quality picture performance
· FS7 -- adds center crop functionality, a feature traditionally found on higher-end models like the F55, flexible spot focus and true 24P.
· FS5 -- adding RAW external recording and auto variable ND filters, among several other features
Rounding out the total workflow for professionals, Sony’s NAB 2016 exhibit also highlights new wireless microphone systems with enhanced diversity features, solutions for media asset management, and more, across its entire product line.
These include:
HXC-FB75 Camera -- A successor model to Sony’s HXC-D70, the HXC-FB75 is a cost-effective entry level studio camera. No camera adapter is required for fiber transmission to the CCU, and Sony’s HDVF interface enables smoother and sharper focusing. The lens, viewfinder and microphone packaged model is available in addition to the camera body only model.
XVS Series Switchers, XVS-7000, XVS-6000 -- In response to the growing demand for 4K production and IP interfaces, Sony is adding to its multi-format switcher line-up. Joining the XVS-8000, the new switchers create a family of 4K/IP professional production switcher systems. The XVS Series inherits versatile features from Sony’s widely used MVS Series of switchers including enhanced frame memory, format conversion, multi-viewer capabilities, and a range of input and output video formats. The XVS Series also supports HDR imaging. Users can configure SDI and IP option boards in a single processor. This XVS family offers smooth migration from SDI to IP, from HD to 4K.
· XVS-7000 supports: In HD, 6ME operation with 112 inputs; in 4K, 3ME operations with 28 inputs
· XVS-6000 supports: In HD, 4ME operation with 48 inputs; in 4K, 2ME operation with 12 inputs
New UWP-D Wireless Microphone System – Sony’s URX-P03D is the first 2-channel portable receiver in its UWP-D series, eliminating the need to attach two receivers on a camcorder, especially smaller models, making them unbalanced and unwieldy. The URX-P03D receiver supports an external input for an additional wired microphone, such as Sony’s BMP type lavalier microphones or conventional plug-in-power supported microphones. 3-channel mixer functionality is included for blending audio signals in the receiver. A new 2-channel version of Sony’s Multi Interface (MI) shoe adaptor - model SMAD-P3D is available for the URX-P03D.
LMD-B170 – a 17-inch, lightweight, compact Full HD LCD monitor, incorporating features and designs from Sony’s PVM-A Series OLED and LMD-A Series LCD picture monitors to give users a familiar interface, especially when using multiple series of monitors. The LMD-B170 can be wall-mounted for in-house use or used as a field monitor. Interfaces include SDI, HDMI and composite video with stereo analog audio as standard. The monitor also has 2W+2W front stereo speakers, more powerful than a monaural speaker or a rear speaker system.
Tags: Production
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