Sony continues the momentum to go Beyond Definition at BCA 2016

Asia Pacific, 31 May 2016 – At BCA 2016, Sony continues to accelerate the momentum to go Beyond Definition, showcasing our state-of-the-art offering in the fields of HD, 4K, HDR and HFR, and recent developments in IP Live production workflow for all aspects of content production from acquisition to archive.

“Sony continues to lead the way and broadcasters can definitely count on our track record of innovation and expertise to provide a full suite of production and post-production solutions to suit every budget,” said Mr. Hiroyuki Takahama, Assistant General Manager, Content Creation Solutions Marketing, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited. “Positioned at the forefront of the industry embracing new technology, Sony will continue to be the brand that provides a comprehensive suite of end-to-end 4K solutions, realizing stunning images and production efficiency without compromise.”

4K Cinematography

With the rising trend in the migration from HD to 4K, broadcasters welcome the new opportunities and huge advantage that allows new artistic scope and freedom to create stunning footage.

Sony delivers 4K line-up in XDCAM family. This includes the latest XDCAM shoulder-mount camcorder, PXW-Z450. Capable of capturing superb 4K (3840 x 2160) picture quality with the new 2/3-type Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, the PXW-Z450 achieves exceptional weight balance and low power consumption alongside excellent networking features. Another highlight is the PXW-Z150 that comprises the 1.0-type sensor, delivering low-light performance and networking features for fast turnaround and high quality workflows.

Since the introduction of Sony’s BVM-X300, the first 4K OLED reference monitor for critical viewing, the monitor has 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 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 new quad-view OLED monitor allows customized individual display settings across four distinct views in HD. Equipped with the same signal-processing engine as the BVM-X300, the PVM-X550 provides a 12-bit output signal for the best picture accuracy and consistency. It also supports various industry standard color spaces including the wider ITU-R BT.2020 for Ultra High Definition. These all work in tandem with Sony’s TRIMASTER EL™ technology to ensure that professionals across the broadcast and cinematography industries are provided with excellent, vibrant and reliable images.
IP Live Ecosystem

Alongside the increasing demands for 4K content, broadcasters are recognizing the transformative benefits of IP for live production and embracing the operational advantages. For the past 15 years, Sony has been committed to implement IP technology at the core of the broadcast infrastructure.

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 wide 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 not only from SDI to IP, but also from HD to 4K, promising efficient return of investment.

• 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.

Archive and Asset Management

Sony continues to incorporate new technological advances into its archive systems, solving dilemmas faced by media companies with growing libraries through its long-term and scalable technology.

Sony is showcasing the second generation of its Optical Disc Archive system which adopts new, high-capacity optical media developed jointly by Sony and Panasonic. This affordable new media is rated with a 100-year shelf life and doubles the capacity of a single cartridge to 3.3 TB. The Generation 2 Optical Disc Archive system also introduces the 8-channel optical drive unit¹, doubling the read/write speeds of the previous generation to meet the data needs of real-time 4K production.
Optical Disc Archive technology is designed as a near-line, deep archive storage or disaster recovery system, ranging from large scalable robotics down to stand-alone archive systems. Sony is embracing an open platform approach for broad compatibility, providing technology and support to encourage other manufacturers to develop complementary products for the technology. Currently, 42 companies have announced their support for Optical Disc Archive worldwide.

Technology Upgrades

Sony continues to support customers by extending the life of their current Sony technologies through the introduction of upgrades, enabling new features and performance. These include:

BVM-X300: Update for support of both Hybrid and Log-Gamma formats; safe and aspect markers; XYZ color modulation; 1.5G dual link inputs.

F55: Version 8 adds support for XAVC 4K class 480, for professionals who want a higher data rate in XAVC.
FS7: Center crop functionality, a feature traditionally found on higher-end models like the F55; flexible spot focus; true 24P.
FS5: RAW external recording; auto variable ND filters; among several other features.

Rounding up the total workflow for professionals, Sony’s 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 sole model.

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 function is included for switching 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
The 17-inch, lightweight, compact Full HD LCD monitor incorporates features and designs from Sony’s PVM-A Series OLED and LMD-A Series Premium 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. Standard interfaces include SDI, HDMI and composite video with stereo analog audio. The monitor also has 2W+2W front stereo speakers, more powerful than a monaural speaker or a rear speaker system.
Join us at the Sony booth 5B4-01, level 5, Marina Bay Sands Singapore from 31 May to 3 June and personally experience the technological innovations that will bring you Beyond Definition.

¹As of April 2016, according to Sony’s investigation.