Sony Adds New High Dynamic Range and High Frame Rate Technologies

The HDRC-4000 HDR production converter unit is designed for use in simultaneous live 4K HDR and HD SDR content production workflows, eliminating the need for independent workflows on the same event and saving a production time and money.

The HDC-P43 point of view (POV) camera uses the same imager and camera circuitry as Sony’s HDC-4300 and supports 4K HDR and HFR.  Lightweight  (2.0kg; camera body only) and compact (119 W x 140 H x 212 D mm), it can be mounted in positions where HD POV cameras are now used, such as a crane, rail, goalpost or a Steadicam, to capture great action shots from unique angles, with up to 8x HD or 2x 4K.

“Live sports productions need to easily and efficiently handle a variety of sources, from HD and 4K to HDR and HFR formats,” said Norbert Paquet, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Professional Solutions Europe. “These new technologies solve many of the challenges traditionally associated with live production, and add new and exciting story-telling tools and maximum production value.”

Based on Sony’s recommended S-Log3 and BT.2020 production workflow for 4K HDR live production, the unit is able to do real-time conversions to the appropriate delivery formats for various applications (broadcast, OTT, public viewing), as well as formats for input (OETF/EOTF, color space, HDR/SDR and resolution), including conventional HD content production, and video signals apart from S-Log3 without compromising picture quality.

Using a unique algorithm, the HDRC-4000’s AIR (Artistic Intent Render) Matching function ensures accurate format conversion of content produced in S-Log3 and BT.2020, to match the required distribution format delivering creators’ intention to audience as it is. Its compact 1.5U body can support two-channel conversion.

“Sony introduces end-to-end workflow solution for 4K HDR Live Production from acquisition to distribution, as “SR Live for HDR”.  It enables broadcasters and productions to enjoy outstanding HDR image production as well as conventional 4K SDR and HD production”, continues Norbert Paquet. “A typical sports production work flow of “SR Live for HDR” is configured with a 4K/HD live camera system such as the HDC-4800, HDC-4300 or HDC-P43 with S-Log3, using a BVM-X300 for HDR monitoring. Now the addition of the HDRC-4000 ensures a perfect EOTF conversion that retains the original image quality intended by production.”

The HDC-P43 POV camera has a three-chip, 2/3 inch 4K image sensor and can deliver 2x slow-motion at 4K, and 8x super-slow motion in HD in conjunction with 4K live server. The new camera complements Sony’s current line of sports production technologies – the HDC-4300 or HDC-4800 4K/HD live camera systems and the PWS-4500 4K live server – to enable efficient networked data recording, sharing and distribution with matching colorimetry. Sony’s Share Play feature, incorporated into its newest sports production technologies, allows a single operator to control editing and output of slow-motion highlights with file-sharing capabilities over a single network (10G or faster), linking a Sony 4K live camera system with a video server.

The HDC-P43 offers all the interface functions necessary for live production and studio shooting such as tally signal, return image, and teleprompter output and features a built-in fiber adaptor by connecting with BPU-4000, BPU-4500 baseband processor unit or HDCU-4300 camera control unit.

Using single-mode fiber cable, the connection distance between camera head and baseband processor can be extended by up to 5 kilometers. This increases efficiency when there is a significant distance between a stadium and OB truck, or when shooting overhead views of a playing field.

The HDC-P43 is HDR and HFR ready, and supports the ITU-R BT.2020 color space and S-Log3 for high brightness and high contrast imagery.  The HDC-P43 is also highly configurable using optional software licenses. Licenses are available for 4K and HFR capture, allowing for a customizable solution for HD, 4K, HDR, and HFR live productions.

For 4K/HD live production needs, Sony’s growing lineup of products—camera systems, servers, switchers, monitors, pro audio, archive systems, and more—enables broadcasters and producers to configure powerful HD and 4K HDR- and HFR capable systems to meet a wide variety of applications and budgets.