At NAB 2023, Sony has targeted video imaging, virtual production, network capabilities and the cloud as its key technologies.
Sony’s NAB theme is Creativity Connected. The company’s networked live ecosystem of solutions, products, services and partners combines hybrid on-premises, cloud processing and operations with network connectivity for live production.
Key capabilities include network and resource orchestration, hybrid processing, operations, media processing and transport.
New products include the HDC-5500V and HDC-3500V 4K 2/3-inch 3CMOS Global Shutter System Cameras with Variable Neutral Density (ND) Filter. The new camera models come with a native variable ND filter, as well as a slide mechanism to enable use with Sony’s new viewfinders (HDVF-EL760/EL740).
When used in conjunction with the HDCU-5000 camera control unit, the HDC-5500V and HDC-3500V models can be upgraded to support High Frame Rate (HFR) at up to 4x 4K and 8x HD.
With an exchangeable side panel for third party integration, numerous HDR settings (Live, Mild and Natural), Live Tone control, Live HDR/SDR workflows and a lens compensation function, the camera can be purchased to include the features users require now while providing options to grow into the future.
HDC-5500, HDC-3500 and HDC-P50 customers can upgrade their existing cameras to enable these new capabilities. The variable ND filter system camera models are planned for this fall.
Sony also announced the CNA-2 Camera Control Network Adaptor. The scalable CNA-2, expected to be available in the fall, can be used at locations to extend Sony’s camera systems. They can enable remote and distributed live production, as well as camera monitoring and configuring.
With a secure web API, users can take advantage of camera painting and formatting settings.
Also at NAB, Sony will demonstrate a new software-based live production platform that can be deployed in various environments including virtual private cloud, data centers and COTS servers. It can be combined with on-premises solutions like the MLS-X1 stackable switcher and third-party live production systems to enable flexible, hybrid production.
The MLS-X1 modular live production processor/switcher enables integrated control from a single user interface. It supports real-time processing of 4K (UHD) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) content with ultra-low latency. Sony said NEP Australia plans to deploy more than 20 MLS-X1 modules to support their 4K operations.
Sony also announced the NXL-ME80 Media Transport Appliance, which enables high-quality video transport on low-bandwidth networks, with an ultra-low latency processing time. Also, Sony announced the HZCE-JX50H and HZCE-JX50F software for Sony’s IP HDCE-TX30 AND HDCE-TX50 Camera Extension Adapters.
The latest software enables multiple compressed streams of HD (HZCE-JX50H) or 4K (HZCE-JX50F) JPEG XS, compatible with the SMPTE ST2110-22 standard.
Also, Sony’s Nevion media orchestration platform, VideoIPath, supports allowing multiple autonomous instances of the platform to collaborate. It is integrated with AWS Media Services for ground-to-cloud connectivity and support for AWS MediaConnect and MediaLive services.
Finally, Sony’s Creators’ Cloud is a cloud-based platform that provides enterprises in the Media & Entertainment industry, individual creators and small teams with secure access to efficient services and apps to maximize their production workflows.
Ci Media Cloud is a media management and collaboration service that allows teams to access and collaborate on in-production files and finished media content from virtually anywhere. Recent Ci updates include enhancements to functionality, updated workflows, new pricing plans and integrations with Atomos CONNECT products via Atomos Cloud Studio (ACS) and Pomfort’s Silverstack Lab dailies creation and data management software.
Sony’s BVM-HX3110 30.5 Inch 4K HDR Monitor with IP Interfacer is a high luminance reference monitor with a wide viewing angle and wide color gamut for accurate color reproduction and consistent color matching with Sony’s BVM-HX310, PVM-X series and LMD-A lineup of monitors.
With support for IP ST2110, the new monitor complements Sony’s Networked Live ecosystem. Optional tool sets include fast pixel response mode for reduced motion blur and support for JPEG-XS and SNMP. The monitor is expected in November, 2023.
Sony’s FR7 full-frame PTZ Interchangeable-lens camera combines cinematic expression, remote control, powerful connectivity and multi-camera workflow, delivering the best image quality in a PTZ footprint for studio, live production and filmmaking settings.
Firmware Version 1.1, planned for May, 2023 or later, will support S700 protocol and internal recording and playback over PoE++. Version 2.0, expected in September, 2023 or later, will support FreeD protocol to simplify AR/VR production, external zoom adjustment and PTZ trace functionality.
Sony’s Venice Extension System 2 offers support for the 8K sensor of the camera as well as greater mobility and compatibility with either a 3m or a 12m cable. This is without the need for a repeater. It has a tilt/roll sensor in the imaging block to support VFX and virtual production.
Virtual production brings together the worlds of virtual reality and practical production in real time, offering numerous creative and cost-saving benefits. Sony’s implementation of the new technology expands.
At NAB, presentations and demonstrations will showcase Sony’s end-to-end virtual production capabilities including multi-camera live switching for broadcast and an exploration of Live AR using system cameras such as the HDC-5500 series.
As the only manufacturer to offer high-end digital cinema cameras and displays, Sony will feature its comprehensive virtual production solution including it’s Venice 2 Sony’s full-frame camera and select Crystal LED displays.
Together, this technology creates an integrated workflow that supports high dynamic range and empowers visual storytelling and virtual production.
Finally, Sony is also introducing a new Virtual Production Tool Set to address common virtual production challenges such as color matching, moire and enhancement of in-camera visual effects.
The Camera and Display Plugin is a software plug-in for Unreal Engine that allows productions to identify and solve common virtual production workflow issues. The Color Calibrator addresses color shifts in LED wall technology. The complimentary tool set is expected in summer or later.
Beacham has served as a staff reporter and editor for United Press International, the Miami Herald, Gannett Newspapers and Post-Newsweek. His articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, the Village Voice and The Oxford American.
Beacham’s books, Whitewash: A Southern Journey through Music, Mayhem & Murder and The Whole World Was Watching; My Life Under the Media
Microscope are currently in publication. Two of his stories are currently being developed for television.
In 1985, Beacham teamed with Orson Welles over a six month period to develop a one-man television special. Orson Welles Solo was canceled after Mr. Welles died on the day principal photography was to begin.
In 1999, Frank Beacham was executive producer of Tim Robbins’ Touchstone feature film, Cradle Will Rock. His play, Maverick, about video with Orson Welles, was staged off-Broadway in New York City in 2019.
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