Sony at NAB 2018: Powering today and transforming tomorrow

New technologies and cloud-based solutions for broadcast and production at all levels (HD, 4K, 8K, High Dynamic Range and IP) are presented by Sony at NAB, allowing more creative options and greater flexibility for professionals.

Sony has presented in NAB 2018 a long list of technologies and solutions for HD, 4K, 8K, High Dynamic Range and IP, allowing more creative options and greater flexibility for professionals. To publicize its main new features, the Japanese multinational has used the imposing seamless Crystal LED screen with a “pure black” surface with a resolution of 8K width and 4K height at 9.7 x 5,4 metros.

Taking center stage at Sony's booth is the frameless Crystal LED display system for large screens, delivering gigantic 8K x 4K visual images with incredible image quality. Ultra-realistic content, including unprecedented 8K 120fps video recorded with the UHC-8300 8K camera system with three 1.25-inch 8K sensors, plays again and again to impress visitors. The Sony booth also presents new models and updated solutions and services – proposing the right combination for the needs of professionals, so they can achieve long-term success.

A combination of changing consumer viewing habits, unparalleled industry consolidation and new business models have produced a huge shift in the media industry, according to Katsunori Yamanouchi, president of Sony's Professional Solutions Americas group.

Media Solutions

Sony media solutions leverage the power of cloud automation and collaboration to develop and bring to market customized technologies for content owners/creators, distributors and platforms. The group combines many of Sony's technological resources, designed to drive efficiency at all stages of the media production lifecycle – from content acquisition to distribution and archiving.

Sony is continually expanding its professional solutions offering, improving and developing options for real-time and non-real-time production such as XDCAM air, Media Backbone Hive, Media Backbone NavigatorX, Memnon and the Ci cloud platform. Venue strengthens cloud-based and OTT content management and distribution capabilities.

Cameras

Sony is expanding its XDCAM line of professional camcorders with its new flagship PXW-Z280 4K handheld and PXW-Z190 compact 4K camcorder.

PXW-Z280 incorporates the first three 4K Exmor R CMOS type 1/2 image sensors, offering a high sensitivity of F12 (59.94p), long zoom ratio and great depth of field, ideal for news gathering. Additionally, 4:2:2 10-bit with 4K adds a vivid image and delicate color tones. The PXW-Z280 also supports 50p/60p 4K recording and 12G-SDI output, ideal for live event production. The enhanced network enables broadcast-ready workflows, including Sony's Quality of Service (QoS) for high-quality live broadcast distribution using a Dual Link connection multiplexing two mobile networks. A 17x zoom lens and three control rings with auto stop allow manual control of focus, zoom and iris for quick and precise adjustment.

The PXW-Z190 incorporates three 1/3-type 4K Exmor R CMOS image sensors, capturing RGB light independently and providing high-resolution 50p/60p 4K images with a wide range of hues. 4:2:2 10-bit guarantees rich and vivid HD content. The new model incorporates a 25x optical zoom lens covering a wide focusing range suitable for multiple recording needs, with three independent lens rings to allow intuitive operation.

Sony is expanding the large format sensor category with a new XDCAM FS5 II portable camcorder.

Regarding the new Venice, highlight the launch of a fiber link system for mounting on the camera. MultiDyne Silverback and Teradek Bolt will thus be able to be integrated into the camera with total flexibility. The Silverback supports 3G-SDI and 12G-SDI (in a future update) allowing quad-link conversion to and from 12G and dual-link 6G SDI. With the Silverback, users will be able to output a live 4K signal over fiber while simultaneously recording 6K or 4K on camera.

Regarding the wireless link, the Teradek Bolt will allow recording in RAW and X-OCN from Venice without cables and without the need for an external power supply.

Live IP Production

Sony is also investing in live IP interoperability with industry standards such as support for NMOS IS-04/05 and SMPTE ST 2110 protocols.

Sony is expanding its live IP production system with a new camera control unit, the HDCU-3100. The 1.5U size of the compact fiber camera control unit brings IP capabilities to Sony system cameras, from the flagship HDC-4300 4K with BPU-4000 series, including the new BPU-4500A, to the HDC-2000 series, and HSC fiber system cameras.

Combined with the new HKCU-SFP30 board option, the HDCU-3100 supports SMPTE ST 2110 Professional Media over a set of managed IP networking standards. Essential functionalities needed for live production include counting, intercom and video return, all of which can be provided over IP. Support for NMOS IS-04/05 will be added in the future.

Expanding Sony's XV series with the new live production switcher, the XVS-9000, is designed to meet the demands of advanced HD and 4K productions with increased HDR content. The XVS-9000 offers up to 80 inputs and 40 outputs for 4K and up to 160 inputs and 80 outputs for HD. The XVS Series will support a flexible range of interfaces for IP (SMPTE ST 2110) and 12G-SDI in 4K as well as a hybrid system of both, for large sporting and entertainment events.

Monitors

Responding to feedback from customers who are spearheading 4K and HDR production, Sony is releasing firmware updates for the BVM-X300 master monitor and PVM-X550 image monitor. High brightness mode can be added to the PVM-X550, providing a wider dynamic range to reproduce more realistic colors and optimize color tones in 4K with more than 180% HDR peak luminance compared to the current PVM-X550.

Enhanced features common to both models are: two flexible area markers that are freely incorporated into a 4K display, a time code function that can display LTC and VITC at the top or bottom of the screen and a selection of 8 new memory setting inputs, combined with user presets, each assignable to a function button.

Finally, note that after closing the presentation, Sony has shown some images recorded with the new UHC-8300, a three-chip 8K x 4K camera system. Filmed at the Rio Carnival on Globo TV, The images have impressed everyone with their hyperrealism.