Panasonic reinforces its commitment to 4K, HDR and IP environments

Panasonic has strengthened its 4K portfolio at IBC 2016, launching a range of new products and updates including a new 4K production camcorder, major advancements in IP technology and workflow improvements.

Panasonic has expanded its 4K camera range with two integrated high-power zoom lens camcorders. The premium AG-UX180 model is equipped with a type 1 MOS sensor, 20x optical zoom, the possibility of recording in UHD 60p and the widest angle in the sector of 24mm. Standard features of the AG-UX90 include a Type 1 MOS sensor, 15x optical zoom, UHD 30p recording capability, and a 24.5mm wide-angle lens. The two cameras are scheduled for release in November (AG-UX90) and December (AG-UX180) 2016 and working models are on display for the first time at the Panasonic stand.

Sinergia con Codex

As a result of Panasonic's collaboration with Codex, this fair presents the new Varicam Pure, the company's latest addition to the family of professional cinematography products that unites the current VariCam 35 camera with a new Codex V-RAW 2.0 recorder, allowing the acquisition of uncompressed 4K RAW.

In addition to the new hardware, Panasonic has also announced a new firmware update for the VariCam LT. This means adding the possibility of RAW signal output through two 3G-SDI terminals to an external RAW recorder, at 4K or UHD 60p. RAW recording will be supported on Odyssey 7Q and 7Q+ from Convergent Design Inc. and Shogun Inferno from Atomos. The CinemaDNG recorded file is compatible with DaVinci Resolve 12.5.1, Drastic Media Reactor 5.04, and upcoming versions of major NLE and grading systems.

Andre Meterian, Professional Video Systems business unit director for EMEA at Panasonic, said: "VariCam has established itself as the production camera of choice for those seeking the best image quality. This firmware version for uncompressed RAW recording expands its horizons."

Virtual reality

Also presented at IBC 2016 is a prototype 4K 360-degree real-time camera, designed for virtual reality viewing. With four cameras synchronized to create a single equirectangular 4K image, the camera system features a camera head and a base unit connected with cables. This allows real-time switching and distribution of 360-degree images to a number of applications, such as stadiums or concerts, giving users the feeling of being in the middle of the action.

Panasonic has also shared data on the launch of the AK-UB300 multipurpose camera, a 4K box camera equipped with a B4 mount focused on sports, remote studios, live concerts and aerial recording. It provides 4K (3G x 4) and HD-SDI output simultaneously and will be available from November 2016.

The final 4K innovation of the contest shows a collaboration with Intel on a new expressP2 card reader. With Thunderbolt 3 offering 40Gbps data transmission speed, the AU-XPD3 can achieve superb data transmission speeds with super-fast workflow. It is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2017. IBC 2016 also features a demonstration of Panasonic's media over IP solution, which uses the newly developed MoIP gateway for 4K and HD. It has the ability to provide HD media over IP networks in near real time, which is sufficient for seamless video switching.

Panasonic has also introduced a new integrated Full HD outdoor camera. Scheduled for release in summer 2017, it features a water-, dust- and salt-air-resistant casing, as well as a clean lens for uninterrupted quality recording no matter the conditions. It also includes a newly developed image stabilizer for capturing sharp video using vibration compensation.

Avid y Ultra-LongG

Avid has announced full integration with the Panasonic AVC Ultra-LongG video format across its production workflow software. AVC Ultra-LongG is popular with news organizations and broadcasters around the world. Avid's unique AVC Ultra-LongG stream stitching capability is an industry first and allows changes to be made to existing streams without requiring complete re-encoding at playback. Avid's comprehensive end-to-end workflow allows broadcasters to invest in the new camera platform without risking disrupting established operating practices.

"In addition to some truly exciting product developments, Panasonic is committed to leading the movement towards HDR within the video industry, by providing HDR-ready technology to support the change. Both the Varicam 35 and Varicam LT, for example, feature over 14 stops of latitude, which exceeds the dynamic range specifications required for broadcasting HDR content. For live HDR broadcasts, we will ensure there is a seamless migration to HDR from SDR systems. current trends, making it possible for both SDR and HDR content to be broadcast at the same time,” added Andre Meterian.

"Panasonic is also working to make media over IP a reality throughout the broadcast sector, actively taking part in a series of activities to improve the interoperability of the technology. At IBC2016, Panasonic joins the Joint Interop Demonstration in the demonstration area of Hall 8, where we will be able to demonstrate the implementation of our SMPTE ST2110 (TR-03) and AMWA IS-04 (nmos). Panasonic will strive to help develop a new set of standards to achieve effective MoIP issuance,” adds the Panasonic executive.

Lastly, Panasonic announced that it will be launching the new 1.5-inch HD viewfinder this winter. The AJ-CVF50G is a newly developed screen, capable of reproducing continuous images without burn-in. It allows users to see the entire image within the viewfinder at all times, even from a distance. The AJ-CVF50G also responds quickly making it suitable for recording sporting events, allowing you to switch from monochrome to color mode with a single touch.