Panasonic's next-generation live event IP solutions debut at IBC

The manufacturer brings together in Amsterdam the best of its new IP switching and mixing solutions for next-generation live events, the features of the 8K ROI camera and the 8K organic sensor, as well as its latest 4K video mixing console.

Panasonic shows at the fair IBC 2019 its innovations in broadcast technology, bringing together the best of its new IP switching solutions for next-generation live events, the features of the 8K ROI camera and the 8K organic sensor, as well as its latest 4K video mixing console.

Panasonic presents IBC on new IT/IP based platform, a preview of the product launch that will take place in 2020. This next-generation system is based on open architecture software that will bring a series of revolutionary innovations to several video markets, starting with a powerful video switcher for broadcasting.

This platform is totally independent in terms of resolution and format and is based on the latest software and CPU/GPU processing technology, offering users the option to allocate processing capacity with 100% efficiency and achieve performance levels currently unthinkable with traditional hardware-based products. EITHERoffers uncompressed processing, true 4K uncompressed inputs, and full, simultaneous support for baseband and IP signals (such as ST2110 and NDI).

The platform, which includes the latest IP technologies, is also ready for remote production and can be integrated into a fully IP-based environment.

Thanks to a very intuitive and extremely well-designed as well as fully customizable user interface, this platform sets a new level of ease of use for users. And, in addition to being compatible with virtually any type of signal on a single server, the platform offers a Extremely low 1 frame latency, making it an extraordinarily powerful tool in any context and application. It is the perfect solution to make a smooth transition to the IP world and achieve a new level of flexibility and control.

Andre Meterian, director of the Professional Video Systems business unit at Panasonic EMEA, comments that “this new modular and open architecture platform represents a game-changer for many customers dedicated to the production and delivery of high-quality video, whether live or in the studio, because it allows them to optimize their investment for the future while enjoying maximum flexibility.”

"IP switching for live events is just the beginning of this new platform. Its video processing architecture allows users to create and run any type of application. In the not too distant future, this new platform will be the basis of audiovisual production and will be used as a video processor, scaler, mixer or server. In short, there are no limits to what can be achieved with this platform in many applications," he adds.

8K organic sensor

Panasonic also exhibits its latest technology at IBC 2019. organic sensors 8K. Designed to facilitate high-resolution wide-angle camera format shooting, the sensor revolutionizes coverage of commercial sporting events and live events.

With the first commercial use planned for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, organic sensor technology presents a series of highly competitive advantages. This technology integrates a wide dynamic range that manages to generate more colors and higher quality images than ever. Its Electronic Neutral Density Filter (ENDF) allows light input to be reduced or increased more progressively than its traditional Optical Neutral Density (OND) equivalents, and its innovative global shutter offers greater advantages over current continuous shutters by avoiding tilt when shooting dynamic images and also eliminating flash banding from lighting on still cameras at live events and press conferences.

8K ROI multi-camera

Panasonic also presents its new 8K ROI (Region of Interest) multi-camera system, which will undoubtedly revolutionize the panorama of television productions. This system includes a multifunctional 8K camera (AK-SHB800), a processing unit (AK-SHU800) and framing control software (AK-SFC101).

The 8K ROI system allows you to generate 4 different HD signals, or “virtual cameras”, from a single 8K camera system. The 8K sensor generates a large image in wide-angle format, from which four independent “crops” can be generated from the processing unit.

The system improves operational efficiency and reduces costs in a wide range of production applications, such as sports broadcasting, staging and studio recording. In addition, it integrates automatic visual correction technology, which ensures the correction and cropping of any distorted images with a natural Full HD image extracted from the main 8K shot.

This solution allows several cameras to be integrated into the system with a main camera controlled by an operator and connected to additional secondary cameras, which can also be programmed before the event. As a result, it allows a single operator to control multiple cameras with a series of pre-configured cuts to deliver versatile yet cost-effective multi-camera capabilities.

New AV-UHS500 4K mixer

At IBC 2019 you can also see the new compact 4K mixer for live events AV-UHS500, compatible with 12G-SDI. Designed for live events, it offers exceptional performance in live audiovisual productions and can be used for various uses, such as staging events, broadcasting from stations and mobile units, or conferences in universities and auditoriums.

The AV-UHS500, scheduled for release in February 2020, represents the next step in mixing and switching technology from Panasonic, which has quickly gained a reputation as a manufacturer of compact mixers for live recording in broadcast studios, for live entertainment and for sporting events.

The AV-UHS500 offers a high level of functionality within its range. In addition to offering 4K/3G/HD multi-format compatibility, this device allows you to maintain the same number of HD inputs and outputs even when working in 4K.

They have also been developed five optional cards that adapt to the needs of clients. For greater flexibility and ease of use, additional option cards can be installed to increase the number of inputs up to 16 SDI or 8 HDMI, ensuring intuitive operation at important events requiring a large number of cameras. The unit is equipped with 5 keyers, including 2 chroma key channels and 2 PinP channels, allowing you to achieve a wide variety of production effects. The switch also has an up/down conversion function, an HDR/SDR conversion function and an ITU-R BT.2020/BT.709 conversion function. All this makes this equipment flexible enough to be able to select the most convenient video output in environments where various formats are used.

The importance of partners

As is evident in its stand at IBC, Panasonic has opted to integrate third-party technologies, reaching agreements with partners from different areas. Thus, we can check the possibilities that its agreement with the Spanish company offers for augmented reality. Brainstorm.

The collaboration of Brainstorm and Panasonic for the development of PTZF tracking data (Pan, Tilt, Zoom and Focus) of the camera AW-UE150W/K Together with InfinitySet technology, it achieves surprising results in the integration of real people and virtual elements in augmented reality applications.

In terms of virtual reality, Panasonic is also carrying out a demonstration together with Zero Density.

In the demo set, we can also see the Autopod automatic pedestal developed by Clothing. This column is controlled from the panel itself, integrating with Panasonic PTZ cameras.

AJ-CX4000

Finally, highlight the preview of the new P2 4K camcorder, AJ-CX4000. With a mount of interchangeable B4 lens, this camcoerder is equipped with a large 11MP image sensor and enables the recording of high-quality 4K (UHD) images with a horizontal resolution of 2000 TV lines.

Offers a way out UHD 60p 10-bit 4:2:2:2 via 12G-SDI and possibility of live streaming directly with RTSP, RTMP and RTMPS.

Its ergonomically designed shoulder support optimized for news, documentary and sports coverage.