At NAB 2019, Sony Unveils Products, Solutions and Workflows That Are “Powering Today and Transforming Tomorrow”

At NAB Show 2019, Sony is showcasing new solutions developed and designed collaboratively alongside media customers to creatively and cost-effectively bring their vision to life.  From broadcast and sports to faith and content creation, Sony is championing the latest technology with the tools and support that empowers professionals.  The most recent example is Sony’s newly announced HDC-5500 4K/HD HDR live camera system.

As the media industry undergoes a transformation, visitors to Sony Booth C11001 will see a focus on two core areas – content value and workflow efficiency.  Content value will be demonstrated through 4K, 8K, high dynamic range (HDR) and high frame rate (HFR) technology, which supports the creation of valued and engaging assets.  IP and media services offer workflow efficiencies that support interoperability, drive flexibility, provide automation, enhance collaboration and empower global distribution.  Together, these solutions enhance creativity and increase options to professionals.

“To meet our clients’ imminent demands during this time of significant change, our mission and guiding principle is to work hand-in-hand with our customers to create compelling solutions.”  said Rob Sherman, Managing Director, Sony Professional Solutions MEA. “Our new tag line for Sony professional business is ‘Live Your Vision’.  This demonstrates in media industry, the company’s commitment to working closely with creators to inspire and enable them to enrich their storytelling capabilities. Based on this vision, we are ‘Powering Today, Transforming Tomorrow,’ which is our theme for NAB 2019.”

Crystal LED Display System- “Seeing is Believing”

The heart of the booth will once again be Sony’s Crystal LED display system.  It will showcase immersive 8K x 4K imagery that proves “seeing is believing” and demonstrates why leading broadcast and advanced companies have standardized on this dynamic visual experience for their most prominent spaces.

Intelligent Media Services – Transforming Operations

Sony’s Intelligent Media Services transform traditional media chains, unlock more value for richer audience engagement, and provide OTT subscription services for additional digital and linear revenue streams by cloud collaboration, AI, IP, data analytics and software automation capabilities. This NAB, Intelligent Media Services will be shown in a variety of workflows of broadcast operations, as well as Sports and Production workflows.

• Ci Media Cloud

Integrated AI capabilities supporting object recognition, speech-to-text and facial detection in Sony’s Ci Media Cloud to improve discoverability, searchability and provide enhanced transcription.  Ci also offers live contribution, streaming and clipping for capturing and watching live streams anywhere.

• Crispin Automation

Crispin’s LoadingDock and FARlink software provide stations with the ability to aggregate program and commercial content from various locations in the cloud and on-prem by using a centralized solution. Combining Crispin’s traffic interface and FARlink integration with Sony Ci, station groups have the ability to manage and execute playback of all of their content from the cloud.

• Media Backbone NavigatorX

Sony’s Media Backbone NavigatorX is a content and workflow management solution

in on-prem, hybrid, and cloud configurations. New features include: native support for additional professional formats, including R3D, DNG, DPX, and EPS.

• XDCAM air

XDCAM air is the cloud-based service that bridges field-based camcorders with facilities.

XDCAM air integrates with Media Backbone Hive, Media Backbone NavigatorX, and 3rd-party systems to provide streamlined acquisition workflows.  New features include: support for audio intercom functionality, HEVC (H.265) streaming, multi-point distribution streaming.

• Media Backbone Hive

Media Backbone Hive is an integrated news & sports production system, streamlining production workflows from planning to archive.  New features include: ST2110 ingest and playout, XDCAM air live-stream and file-based workflow integration.

Live Production- Endless challenge for quality and efficiency

• 4K/HD HDR live camera system

Sony’s new HDC-5500 is a new multi-format live camera capable of direct 4K signal output in 12G-SDI carrying the world’s first 2/3-inch 4K global shutter three CMOS sensor that ensures superb image quality in HD, 4K and HDR live production.  Using with HDCU-5500 new camera control unit (CCU), the pair offers Ultra High Bitrate (UHB) transmission that transmits 2 channels of 4K signals at a time, without base band processor unit.  The new CCU provides both 12G-SDI 4K output interface and IP interfaces, SMPTE ST 2110 and NMOS IS-04/05 by hardware option. The HDC-5500 camera system is to respond the needs of 4K, HDR, HFR, IP and wireless in live production and has now provided flexible and cost- effective paths for broadcasters to upgrade from the current systems.

• Live Element Orchestrator and new SDI-IP Converter Boards

Additionally, Sony is enhancing its IP Live Production Solutions with Live Element Orchestrator, its first system orchestration software to increase the performance and utilization of resources, as well as to reduce the system downtime, further improving productivity in content production.  Resources can be shared across multiple locations and configurations.  Sony’s two new SDI-IP converter boards, the NXLK-IP50Y and NXLK-IP51Y (12G-SDI), which offer support for SMPTE ST 2110 standards with HDR compatibility.  At Sony’s booth, visitors can see a complete complement of IP Live production products supporting SMPTE ST 2110 in HD and 4K.  In　addition Sony’s booth will be connected with eSports Arena, of which network is provided by CenturyLink, for remote production demonstration over SMPTE ST 2110 using Live Element Orchestrator.

• DWX Digital Wireless receiver

Quality and efficiency are significant not only in video but also in audio.

DWX series digital wireless microphone system are used for various productions including live, broadcast, theatres and events.  The DWR-R03D 2-channel digital wireless receiver is adding new features via a firmware upgrade.  Updates include an auto frequency change mode to prevent audio drop outs, an auto channel coordination for easy and simple channel setting, an output swap function, a graphical spectrum analyzer that shows the interference visually, and CODEC MODE4 for better sound quality.

Cinema, CM and Program productions- Toward maximum creative freedom

• VENICE, Digital Cinema motion picture camera system

Designed exclusively for high-end cinematography, VENICE continues to deliver not only exceptional images but also complete flexibility, creative freedom and its established workflow to match filmmaker’s shooting requirements.  Newly released version 3.0 software added two new imager modes: 5.7K 16:9 and 6K (full-width) 2.39:1, as well as X-OCN XT and Cache REC.  Version 3.0 software also enables the use of Sony’s new portable and lightweight CBK-3610XS Extension System, which allows for cabled separation between the VENICE camera body and image sensor block.

In addition, firmware version 4.0 was recently announced, which adds High Frame Rate (HFR) shooting of 4K 120fps and 6K 60fps with an optional license.  Version 4.0 Firmware is planned to be available in June.

VENICE has been used for principal photography for Sony Pictures Bad Boys for Life starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, and Peter Rabbit 2 releasing in 2020.

• BVM-HX310, 31-inch Grade 1 reference monitor

Announced at IBC last year, the BVM-HX310 is first time showcased at NAB.  It is ideal for 4K HDR color grading, shading and QC applications. The BVM-HX310 supports wide color gamut including DCI‑P3, ITU‑R BT.2020, S‑Gamut3.Cine and S‑Gamut3.  The advanced performance of the TRIMASTER HX panel enables the BVM-HX310 to achieve 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. With consistent and faithful color reproduction over the entire luminance range, excellent tool for digital cinematography and post production workflows. In addition, the BVM-HX310 has useful functions like User LUT, Quad View and automatic HDR setting by VPID for various workflows.

• Xperia™ smartphone

Sony’s Xperia 1 is 4K OLED smartphone with a 21:9 CinemaWide™ 6.5” display. Creator mode (ITU-R BT.2020 support and 10bit* tonal gradation) is inspired by Sony’s Master Monitors for accurate color reproduction. Cinema Pro “Powered by CineAlta”, provides natural cinematic shooting experience with expression-based colour management pre-sets.

*8 bit display with 2 bit software smoothing 

• LMD-A240, LMD-A220, LMD-A170 Professional monitors

Version 3 firmware for the LMD-A240, LMD-A220 and LMD-A170 offers HDR production enhancements supporting multiple EOTFs such as SMPTE ST 2084(PQ), ITU-R BT.2100(HLG), S-Log2, S-Log3, S-Log 3(Live HDR) and 2.4(HDR).

Switching EOTFs, maximum brightness is automatically set.   Already supporting ITU-R BT. 2020, the monitors are capable of accurate colour reproduction in HDR with lower cost than conventional 4K HDR monitors.

News and Documentary production- New style and new expression

• CBK-FS7BK ENG-Style Build-up Kit for FS7 and FS7ll

Sony’s popular PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS7 M2 XDCAM camcorders will be optimized for news gathering with the new CBK-FS7BK ENG-Style build up kit and an LA-EB1, B4 lens to E mount adapter. The build-up kit enables ENG like operator experience, while the LA-EB1 allows operators to shoot deep Depth of Field (DoF) with the high zoom ratio necessary for traditional news production. The build-up kit also features an extension unit with a wireless audio receiver slot and built-in wireless capability provides advanced network operation for broadcast usage. 

• UWP-D Wireless Microphone systems

With a new compact and lightweight design, the latest UWP-D wireless microphone series offer NFC sync for easy and fast channel setting and support a Multi-Interface Shoe™ (MI shoe) with Digital Audio Interface that achieves high quality sound with low noise for Sony’s PXW-Z280 and PXW-Z190 XDCAM camcorders.  New UWP-D series provide the advanced integration with the camcorders for enhanced usability.

• PXW-Z280 and PXW-Z190 XDCAM handheld camcorders

The PXW-Z280 and PXW-Z190 will enhance their capabilities with Version 3.0 firmware which includes wireless file transfer with Dual Link connection, file transfer without the use of a mobile app and support for a Multi-Interface Shoe™ (MI shoe) with Digital Audio Interface to enable superior sound and enhanced usability for the new UWP-D wireless microphone series.

Simple but professional quality content creation for broadcast, education, corporate and government   

• BRC-X400 4K pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera

Sony’s newest 4K pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, the BRC-X400, is ideal for cost-efficient content creation, including broadcast applications, as well as shooting in large venues.  The camera supports IP and is equipped with NDI®|HX capability with an optional license.  It can be used in conjunction with REA-C1000, Sony’s first AI-based video analytic solution.

• HXR-MC88 HD Palm-sized camcorder

The new HXR-MC88 palm-size camcorder enables cost-effective and professional quality HD content that responds to the growing demands for video content in various scenes including education, corporate and government environments.  With a large 14.2 megapixel 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, users can capture high-quality images with less noise – in light and dark conditions.  The camera also features a Fast Hybrid Auto Focus system for seamlessly capturing motion.  Additional highlights include built-in 4 step ND filters and 12x optical zoom, which can be doubled to 24x with Clear Image Zoom while maintaining full resolution using Super Resolution Technology and 48x zoom with Sony’s Digital Extender.

New technology for 4K recording

PZW-4000 4K XAVC Recorder

The PZW-4000 4K XAVC recorder supports XAVC-L422 QFHD 200 recording/playback along with XAVC-I QFHD 300.  It also allows for direct playout from SxS memory cards, without ingesting media into an internal SSD, in addition to simultaneous recording to the internal SSD and SxS card.  A VTR-like, simple control panel comes along enabling professional users to easy-to-control operations by their familiar and experienced skills.

SxS Memory Card and Reader/Writer

The SBP-120F (120GB) and SBP-240F (240GB) are the newest addition to Sony’s durable and reliable SxS PRO X Card line-up.  Both offer ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps and enable stable capture of high bit rate content.  Used in conjunction with the new reader/writer, SBAC-T40 equipped with Thunderbolt™ 3 interface*, enables the transfer of 240GB of video content in approximately 3.5 minutes.

*Under certification. Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

For more information about Sony’s latest professional technologies, please visit Booth C11001 at NAB Show