Sony HDC-5500: a new multi-format live camera that produces direct 4K signal output in 12G-SDI

The new HDC-5500, which Sony presents at NAB, features ultra-high bit rate transmission, wide color gamut global shutter CMOS sensors, low signal-to-noise ratio and high frame rate recording

In NAB 2019, in Las Vegas, Sony is introducing the newest addition to its HDC range of 4K live cameras: the HDC-5500, a new multi-format live camera that produces direct 4K signal output in 12G-SDI.

It has a 2/3″ 4K shutter with three CMOS sensors ensuring exceptional image quality for live HDR production in HD and 4K. Additionally, next summer, Sony will release optional software to achieve high frame rates of up to 2x in 4K and 8x in HD.

Along with the launch of the HDC-5500, another member of the expanded HDC range is being presented at the show: the HDCU-5500. The HDCU-5500 is a new camera control unit (CCU) half-rack mount used in combination with the HDC-5500. This CCU provides 12G-SDI, 4K and IP, SMPTE ST 2110 and NMOS IS-04/05 interfaces via optional hardware

Regarding the HDC-5500, it is worth noting that by adding the optional HKC-WL50 wireless side panel, the HDC-5500 functions as a wireless camera, and can be used in combination with a camera stabilizer.

Thanks to the signal processing technology between camera and CCU Recently developed, ultra-high bit rate (UHB) transmission allows signals from two cameras to be output simultaneously over a single fiber cable and without a baseband processing unit, expanding the operational flexibility of the system camera. The combination of the two units allows the transmission 2 channel UHB 4K signals at the same time. The 4K Trunk function efficiently transmits two sources from the HDC-5500 to the CCU; one source being the “host” of the HDC-5500 itself and the other source being the 12G-SDI input of a second camera connected to the HDC-5500. Additionally, the 4K Prompter input is transmitted from the HDCU-5500 to the camera head also via UHB transmission.

The HDC-5500 can accommodate an interchangeable side panel ensuring compatibility with older HD camera control units such as those in the HDCU-2500/3100 series.

Rob Willox, Marketing Director at Sony Electronics, comments: "We have strived to address the requirements of this constantly evolving market and have provided new capabilities for the 3G systems of today and the IP and HDR requirements of the future. We have cleverly addressed production needs in the areas of 4K, HDR, HFR, IP, digital triax and wireless, and we will provide our customers with a flexible and cost-effective way to convert their current systems into a specialized toolset. Our continuous effort to improve the series HDC will enable our clients to achieve even greater levels of creativity and efficiency.”

Portable license

Sony is also going to present a portable license option for the HDC-5500 and HDC-P50 POV cameras. Portable licenses are not tied to a specific device like permanent licenses, but can be dynamically transferred between cameras HDC-5500 or HDC-P50. Customers such as mobile units and rental companies will be able to save on costs and logistics as software capabilities can be downloaded and installed anywhere without the need to ship camera components. Sony portable licenses will be available as an annual subscription

To further expand the HDC range, Sony is also launching the HDCU-3500. This is a half-rack mount camera control unit used in combination with the HDC-3100 and is also compatible with the HDC-2000 series. The HDCU-3500 also features 12G-SDI, 4K and IP, SMPTE ST 2110 and NMOS IS-04/05 interfaces via optional hardware.

The new HDCU-3500 and HDCU-5500 camera control units will have an optional built-in recording capability that uses an integrated memory function. This innovative type of recording offers new options and expands the flexibility of live production workflows.