Sony, EMG UK and BT sport partner to create the 4K HDR broadcast workflow with new HDC-F5500
HDC-F5500 brings artistic essence into live production
In a European sports broadcasting first, our HDC-F5500 system camera has starred in a live 4K HDR workflow bringing together BT Sport and EMG UK. Boasting a highly sensitive Super 35mm sensor, the HDC-F5500 was put through its paces in the World Boxing Council heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium.
Partnering in live sports first
On April 23rd 2022 Tyson Fury successfully defended his World Boxing Council heavyweight title against challenger Dillian Whyte in front of a 94,000 capacity crowd at London’s Wembley Stadium.
In a European sports broadcasting first, Sony’s large-sensor HDC-F5500 system camera featured as part of a 4K HDR live production workflow that brought together BT Sport and OB facilities specialist EMG UK to cover the hotly-anticipated event.
HDC-F5500 in prime position
At Wembley the HDC-F5500 took the critical ‘Camera 1’ position alongside a total of 26 Sony HDC series system cameras covering the action.
“Camera 1 is really important at boxing events” says Martyn Edwards, Project Director at EMG UK. “It always starts with a big wide shot of the ring and the big screens, and it pushes in to get right into the action. That cinematic feel you get from it really plays well here.”
Boasting a highly sensitive Super 35mm 4K CMOS sensor that’s capable of achieving a uniquely artistic look for live sports, the HDC-F5500 is designed for seamless integration into familiar production workflows. It also features Sony’s global shutter technology that’s ideal when shooting against LED video walls that feature in many sporting venues.
EMG have got a long history of innovative outside broadcasting with Sony, and we always find that their systems work fantastically. So it really has been a seamless integration for us.
Martyn Edwards
Project Director at EMG UK
For the Fury vs Whyte clash the camera was connected seamlessly into the existing infrastructure in the EMG UK OB van with minimal engineering effort. Live images from the HDC-F5500 in UHD S-Log3 were incorporated directly into the rest of the production chain, prior to transmission to viewer’s homes through BT Sport’s infrastructure.
“We have been thrilled to collaborate with Sony and BT Sport on this landmark 4K project” adds Martyn Edwards. “At EMG we’ve worked with Sony camera systems for many years throughout the group, so it was a straightforward connection into the existing camera infrastructure within our UHD/HDR OB facilities. The HDC-F5500 is an excellent camera, and really brings this cinematic and artistic look and feel to the production thanks to its Super 35mm 4K CMOS sensor.”
Delivering world class viewing experiences
“When it comes to sporting events, we’re constantly seeking to try out the latest technologies to improve on our existing workflows and deliver a world class viewing experience” comments Andy Beale, Chief Engineer at BT Sport. “High visibility events like the fight between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte are the perfect setting to trial new cameras in a live context.”
“There’s definitely been an increase in the demand for us to create more cinematic productions” says Charlotte Winter, OB Manager at BT Sport. “We’ve been partnering with Sony for a really long time. Integrating the F5500 we’ve had great hands-on support, which has really helped us in what’s a very, very busy production.”
Smooth integration in live production workflows
“We’re always excited to see our latest innovations being used in real life conditions” notes Norbert Paquet, Head of Live Production Solutions, Imaging Products & Solutions Europe. “The HDC-F5500 is built in a spirit of continuity with other HDC camera systems. It integrates easily into existing live production workflows and operations, and it’s also built with a spirit of innovation and with sustainability in mind. The demand for a more artistic look in live production and enhanced operational workflow while working with 4K, HDR and Super 35mm sensors were key drivers in the development of the HDC-F5500. This makes it an easy fit for live sports and events productions alongside other Sony HDC camera systems.”
