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

Asia Pacific, 8 April 2019 – 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 Takuma Wada, Head of Content Creation Solutions Marketing, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited. “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-premise (on-prem) by using a centralized solution. Combining Crispin’s traffic interface and FARlink integration with Sony Ci, station groups can manage and execute playback of all their content from the cloud.

• Media Backbone NavigatorX
Sony’s Media Backbone NavigatorX is a content and workflow management solution for on-prem, hybrid, and cloud configurations. New features include native support for additional professional formats such as R3D, DNG, DPX, and EPS.

• XDCAM air
XDCAM air is the cloud-based service that bridges field-based camcorders with facilities. XDCAM air, when integrated with Media Backbone Hive, Media Backbone NavigatorX and 3rd-party systems, provides streamlined acquisition workflows. New features include support for audio intercom functionality, HEVC (H.265) streaming, and 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. Used with the new HDCU-5500 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 responds to the needs of 4K, HDR, HFR, IP and wireless in live production and provides flexible and cost- effective paths for broadcasters to upgrade from the current systems.

• Live Element Orchestrator and new SDI-IP Converter Boards
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. Two new SDI-IP converter boards, the NXLK-IP50Y and NXLK-IP51Y (12G-SDI), 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 located at the Luxor Hotel, with network 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 analyser 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. VENICE is chosen as the principal photography for Sony Pictures Bad Boys for Life starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, and Peter Rabbit 2 releasing in 2020.
Newly released version 3.0 software adds 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, allowing the VENICE camera body and image sensor block to be separated via cable.

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

• BVM-HX310, 31-inch Grade 1 reference monitor
Announced at IBC last year, Sony will showcase the BVM-HX310 for the first time at NAB. 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, it is an 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.

• LMD-A240, LMD-A220, LMD-A170 Professional monitors
Version 3 firmware for 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-FS7II 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 that 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. The new UWP-D series provides 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 need for mobile app and support for 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 latest 4K 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 cost-effective HXR-MC88 palm-size camcorder that captures professional quality HD content, 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 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 is included, providing professional users easy-to-control operations.

• SxS Memory Card and Reader/Writer
The SBP-120F (120GB) and SBP-240F (240GB) are the latest additions to Sony’s durable and reliable SxS PRO X Card line-up. Offering ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps and enabling stable capture of high bit rate content, the new reader/writer, when used together with SBAC-T40, equipped with Thunderbolt™ 3 interface , enables the transfer of 240GB of video content in approximately 3.5 minutes.

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

[1] 8 bit display with 2 bit software smoothing

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