The ISU Grand Prix debuts 4K production with Blackmagic

The producer IPA-Prod has deployed a work dynamic of acquisition, control and delivery of 4K content to cover the Grand Prix of figure skating on ice of the ISU with a selection of tools Blackmagic Design.

He ISU Skating Grand Prix, an event held in Angers (France) that spanned three days and brought together figure skating's elite, required a signal 1080i50 for international distribution. However, the IPA-Prod team, led by the technical director Séraphin Mauvoisin, decided to exceed expectations: "Given our production capabilities, we wanted to go beyond the required specifications and capture images in 4K. Our experience in esports production, where clients are extremely demanding with frame rates, required content at 50 f/s."

Production had the mixer as its central axis ATEM Constellation 8K and used a completely 4K infrastructure. Regarding capture, IPA-Prod used the Super 35 format sensor in 6K resolution with six cameras Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2, which he combined with several variable focal length lenses for 4K television productions. Canon, including model Digisuper UJ111, which he mounted on fixed cameras to capture low-angle shots; the UHD version Digisuper 90 (UJ90X9B) for counterplanes, and models CJ45ex9.7B y CJ15ex4.3B to capture the main shots, aesthetics and emotional reactions.

"We had previously adopted the URSA Broadcast G2 because it has a sensor that is more sensitive to light than that of traditional television cameras, which is a great advantage for 4K productions. The B4 mount allows us to use variable focal length lenses commonly used in broadcasting, which are widely available, and the camera includes integrated neutral density filters, just like traditional television cameras. The depth of field is similar to that of a conventional two-thirds system. inch, but the 4K rendering is really impressive. Another positive point is the great availability of rental units from our partners in Paris, which gives us the possibility of adding more equipment to ours easily, if necessary,” he explains. Mauvoisin.

A production distributed by satellite to 20 territories

All cameras were connected to the mobile outdoor unit via 200 meters of fiber optic cabling SMPTE. The camera signals were transmitted from devices Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converter up to units Blackmagic Studio Fiber Converters connected to a stage box in the venue, where they were converted to SDI, and then distributed over an MCF cable, using devices Mini Converter Optical Fiber 12G. In turn, the main cameras were controlled with a device ATEM Camera Control Panel, while additional control panels were responsible for secondary and special units, so that image tone adjustments could be managed remotely from one location.

The main production was captured in 2160p50, and international images for the International Ice Skating Union were distributed through Infront, holder of the transmission rights. Likewise, a mobile news unit in IceParc provided a satellite signal in Ku band for about 20 territories, which was broadcast on 1080i50, while IPA-Prod preserved the complete recordings in 4K a 50 f/s.

"All TV stations received the signal in 1080i, but we chose to work in 4K because it allows us to offer that extra touch. In the highlight packages you could see everything, from the ice droplets that fell off when skating to the details of the costumes. Several clients also used our 4K images to create live content in vertical format, for example, for brand events, question and answer sessions, and material for audiovisual surfaces," he concludes. Mauvoisin.