Cinevideo selects Sony Professional Solutions for its first 4K HDR OB Van

posted:

22/09/2017

Thanks to the innovative video mixer XVS-8000 and the HDRC-4000 conversion unit, Cinevideo is able to offer media companies HD, HDR and 4K HDR simulcast productions

Cinevideo, an Italian production company specialising in content creation and television productions, has selected Sony Professional Solutions as a strategic partner for the development of its first 4K HDR OB Van, capable of handling the most demanding audio-visual productions. The OB Van is present at IBC in the demonstration area dedicated to mobile productions. The OB Van, equipped with Sony's XVS-8000 video mixer and Sony HDRC-4000 conversion unit, will allow Cinevideo to offer major broadcasters - such as RAI, Mediaset and Sky - simulcast single production workflow of major Italian and international events for HDR, SDR, UHD, HD signals. The HDRC-4000 is crucial to “SR Live” - the efficient HDR Live Production workflow developed by Sony. Equally, the powerful new XVS-8000 video mixer both works within the SDI infrastructure and is IP ready.

The 12m long 4K HDR OB van has been designed by Cinevideo in collaboration with Broadcast Solutions, Sony’s business unit specialising in the engineering and development of state-of-the-art mobile vans. The van features a three-axis configuration that provides an internal operating surface of approximately 60m². By adopting specific dynamic setting solutions the production team is able to set up two distinct video and audio production areas which share the same technology, but are capable of operating independently of each other. Both its size and technological features give the OB considerable flexibility in reaching productions sites where traditional “trailer” configurations operate with difficulty.

“Sony works very closely with its service providers and broadcasters”, said Norbert Paquet, Head of Product Management at Sony Professional Solutions Europe. “Our customers need to add value to productions by offering HDR, whilst still broadcasting in SDR for those viewers unable to receive HDR content. The SR Live workflow enables a single production truck or studio to output the full range of deliverables without the need for massive costs or a dedicated HD workflow”, continued Paquet.

“Our XVS-8000 video mixer specialists have worked very closely with Cinevideo to thoroughly explore the technical aspects relating to configuration and flexibility, pushing the limits of the technology to achieve the maximum possible performance. Cinevideo’s decision once again demonstrates Sony’s commitment to identifying technological solutions that meet the challenges posed by advanced productions”, said Benito Mari, Sales Manager Italy of Sony Professional Solutions Europe.

“Our decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the technology that is at the “heart” of an OB Van: the video mixer. Our team looked at the various technological, operating and infrastructural aspects trying to identify a solution that could meet the future challenges of innovative OB Van video productions. We came to the conclusion that Sony's XVS Series represents the most convincing solution available today in the market. This choice further strengthens our ten-year old relationship with Sony, which continues to be a valuable partner in developing innovative long-term solutions for our production needs,” said Andrea Buonomo, Cinevideo's Executive Sales Manager.

“Thanks to our founder Luca Scotti’s commitment to finding the broadest, and most innovative technologies and broadcast systems, coupled with his profound knowledge of Broadcast Solutions in TV production workflows, we have been able to work alongside Cinevideo throughout the design and construction phases of the OB Van. We recommended adopting a “Sony-centric” solution that would allow Cinevideo to meet current market demands while anticipating future requests for the new 4K and HDR production formats”, said Nicola di Fabio, Sales Director at Broadcast Solutions.

Technological features

HDRC-4000, is an essential piece for Sony’s proposed HDR Live Production workflow - “SR Live”. This workflow enable single production workflow for HDR, SDR, UHD, HD signals, merging all signal types in the production truck over mezzanine production format S-Log3 EOTF & BT2020 color space. The HDRC-4000 can perform conversion of Resolution (HD <->4K), Frame Rate (50i <->50p), Color Space (BT709 <->BT2020), EOTF (PQ/HLG/S-Log3/2.4 <-> PQ/HLG/S-Log3/2.4). In UHD, 2x channels of conversion are available while in HD 8x Channels are available (new firmware update required).

The unique Artistic Intent Rendering (AIR Matching) feature allows conversion to any desired distribution format, Such as HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), PQ (Perceptual Quantization), or SDR based on "as-seen". With this feature enabled, the HDRC-4000 faithfully maintains the creative / artistic intent of the produced contents, never relying on automatic “Tone Mapping Algorithm” or “Look up Table” and as such ensuring the approved artistic intent is maintained throughout the distribution chain down to the living room for an unprecedented viewing experience.

The XVS-8000 supports IP Live Production Technology, which enables to combine the power of this new generation of video switchers, and IP Networking to create a new type of architectures and more efficient workflows for HD, 4K, HDR, HFR.

Sony Professional Solutions exists to unleash the incredible power of images. Helping customers tell stories, springboard change, connect emotionally, stimulate learning and activate potential is at the heart of our vision. With a winning combination of technology and creativity Sony partners with businesses across a wide variety of sectors including Media and Broadcast, Theatre, Healthcare, Sports and Corporate and Education markets to deliver innovative and transformational customer solutions. Operating with over 30 years’ experience and a trusted network of established technology partners Sony’s wide portfolio of product and services propositions provides true value to businesses and informs, educates, entertains and inspires their customers.