Aftonbladet raises online news production standards with Sony IP-controlled remote cameras

One of the Nordic region’s best-read daily newspapers has strengthened its appeal to online audiences by investing in Sony cameras and BRAVIA displays at its video production facilities in Stockholm.

man sitting in front of laptop, and Bravia screens, looking at mobile device in a video production suite.
How we helped
The Challenge
  • Multiplatform news specialist needed flexible camera solution to support daily programme making for online audiences
  • Requirement to reduce personnel levels in studio and support social distancing
The Solution
  • Programme production using BRC-H800 PTZ cameras, remotely controlled over IP via RCP-3500 remote panel
  • Smaller ‘pod studio’ equipped with BRC-X400 PTZ cameras
  • Video wall with eight BRAVIA 49” 4K professional displays
The Outcome
  • Broadcast quality pictures enhance Aftonbladet’s online video output
  • Simple, intuitive remote camera operation
  • Smaller crewing levels in main and secondary studios complement social ditancing

Remote operation means we can minimise crewing requirements in both studios – a bonus for socially distanced production.

Vasilios Hatciliamis
Head of TV Operations

A leader in multiplatform news

Aftonbladet’s reputation as a print publisher stretches back almost 200 years. While not a broadcaster in the traditional sense, it is a significant player in today’s multiplatform news space, where online video represents an essential strand in many newspaper publishers’ offerings.

Screen with multiplatform news and streaming different shot son screen
Sony BRC-H800 PTZ Remote camera

Remote cameras support production

As part of its ongoing digital transformation, Aftonbladet’s refurbished main studio in Stockholm features eight Sony BRC-H800 PTZ remote cameras that are used to support daily news programme production. Capturing pristine-quality Full HD images, the cameras are networked via IP, allowing an operator in the control room to adjust exposure, picture settings and other parameters. Camera management over IP is via Sony’s RCP-3500 remote control panel that offers intuitive operation via physical knobs, assignable switches and a joystick controller.

The PTZ cameras are supplemented in the main studio by a Sony HDC-P1 compact system camera. Offering Full HD image quality with impressive sensitivity and extremely low noise, the P1 also affords Aftonbladet extra flexibility to use interchangeable bayonet-mount lenses.

Podcast shows with broadcast quality pictures

The Stockholm production facility also houses a smaller secondary ‘pod studio’ that’s used for more intimate podcast-type shows, typically with a presenter chatting informally to a guest. Also controlled remotely over IP, five compact Sony BRC-X400 PTZ cameras in the pod studio capture professional-quality 4K images with superb detail, contrast and natural colour.

Video monitoring of camera images from both studios in the main control room is via a wall of eight 49” BRAVIA 4K professional displays. Slim, light and featuring Sony’s latest picture processing technologies, the BRAVIA screens allow Aftonbladet to critically evaluate images from multiple cameras with significantly lower hardware costs than investing in broadcast-quality reference monitors.

Sony PTZ cameras in a room for a podcast type show
3 PTZ cameras in a production studio

Exceptional images with reduced crewing requirements

“While upgrading our news production facilities we looked at different remote studio camera solutions” says Vasilios Hatciliamis, Head of TV Operations. “What we needed alongside the ease of remote operation over IP, was a good picture performance. What’s more, remote operation means we can minimise crewing requirements in both studios – a bonus for socially distanced production.”

Interested in how we can help you upgrade your broadcast capabilities? Speak to our team.