Ikegami representatives head to the Dubai World Trade Centre in March for CABSAT 2020, the largest broadcast media show in the Middle East region. The exhibition together with its supporting conference and workshop will be held from March 31st through April 2nd. Highlights of the Ikegami exhibit on stand C4-20 will be the UHL-43 compact HDR camera which was shown in prototype at CABSAT 2019 and is now fully deliverable, the UHK-430 system camera with IP interface and the HQLM-3125X master grade video monitor.

The Ikegami UHL-43 is a compact HDR camera designed for applications such as robotic studios, outside broadcasting of live events, parliamentary television and point-of-view image capture.

Ikegami's UHK-430 is a 4K-native studio camera system with simultaneous HDR/SDR processing. Its three 2/3 inch CMOS sensors provide full 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution plus the depth of field needed for studio and outdoor production. The camera is equipped with a B4 bayonet mount compatible with 2/3 inch UHD and HD lenses. An optional SE-U430 expander accommodates large studio or OB lenses.

Ikegami's recently introduced HQLM-3125X is a 31 inch 4K-UHD master-grade monitor with 4,096 × 2,160 pixel 10-bit resolution and high brightness (1,000 candela per square metre).

FOR-A Corporation of America today announced PBS39/WLVTTV, part of Lehigh Valley Public Media based in Bethlehem, Penn., upgraded its control room last August with a FOR-A HVS-2000 HANABI video production switcher and ClassX broadcast graphics system. The new equipment has improved the on-air look of the station’s original programming as well as its live production workflows.

For example, the HVS-2000 can load and playback graphics from the ClassX, so the TD can access them during live productions. As a result, PBS39’s graphics designer does not have to be in the control room for “routine” productions. “When I saw how well the two integrated together, plus the price, it seemed like an obvious choice,” said Andrea Cummis, chief technology officer.

The ClassX also supports the use of RSS feeds for updating election results and other data in graphics, a feature that was not supported by the station’s older graphics system. Cummis said the system “worked great” for local primary election coverage last year, but she is looking forward to using the system to its full potential for Election Night in November.

ChyronHego is now shipping Paint 8.1, the newest release of the company's powerful sports analysis and telestration tool. Thanks to innovative updates in version 8.1, Paint gives broadcasters the unprecedented ability to record and play out a multicamera ultra-high-definition (UHD) panoramic video stitch and then manipulate it using full pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) control. H.264 streaming and enhanced remote access and control capabilities are among the other new updates that further boost Paint's value in enriching sports analysis and production.

"Paint was already the market leader in telestration, and with new functionality in version 8.1, we've totally revolutionized telestration," said Niall Hendry, product manager - sports at ChyronHego. "Delivering full PTZ control of a multi-UHD panorama, Paint 8.1 takes things to the next level."

JVC has announced new firmware for its range of CONNECTED CAM models – now shipping – including the handheld GY-HC500 and GY-HC550 4K camcorders and the GY-HC900 broadcast camcorder, available in ENG and studio configurations. The latest firmware upgrade (v0110 for the GY-HC500/550 and v3.0 for GY-HC900, available free to existing customers) lets the cameras record to both SSD and SD media in a wide variety of formats, including Apple ProRes 422 recording and backup mode recording to an SSD drive.

The GY-HC500 and GY-HC550 handheld models feature class-leading streaming and IP connectivity, with the new firmware delivering 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 50/60p recording in both 4K and HD to SSD. The update on all CONNECTED CAM models also enables HEVC/H.265 live streaming via the KA-EN200 streaming encoder; this adapter can be inserted directly into a slot on the GY-HC500, GY-HC550 and GY-HC900 camcorders, supporting up to 1920x1080 resolution and reducing network bandwidth by half compared to H.264. Other features added by the new firmware include support of SRT protocol and Network Time Protocol, plus integrated broadcast overlay graphics on JVC’s GY-HC900 broadcast camcorder.

Customers will be able to see the range of JVC CONNECTED CAM models at the KitPlus show in London at the end of this month. 

Gearing up for a bumper year of premier live sporting events, NEP Europe has bolstered its production capability with a host of Grass Valley live IP production solutions. NEP is growing its capabilities across its OB and flypacks fleet, strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading outsourced technical production partners to premier producers of live sports and entertainment.

At the core of the expansion are nearly 60 new Grass Valley LDX 86^N cameras. The new cameras feature Grass Valley’s built-in DirectIP capability which was developed in conjunction with NEP. This unique technology allows NEP to send only the camera heads to the given location, while all other control for the cameras and the production can take place at an off-site location. With this latest purchase, NEP Europe now has over 500 native 4K Grass Valley LDX 86^N cameras in its portfolio.

Paul Henriksen, NEP Europe’s president, said: “2020 is set to be a huge year for live sporting and entertainment events around the world. We’re excited about the opportunity to help clients deliver innovative live productions that bring consumers closer to the action, wherever they are and on any device. Drawing on our long-established relationship with Grass Valley, and the close collaboration with its R&D team, allows us to leverage best-in-class solutions that are a perfect fit. Grass Valley understands our business model and is unrivaled when it comes to delivering the support that we, and our clients, demand.”

NEP Europe also purchased 30 RefleX SuperXpander Kit lens adapters, which convert handheld cameras into a studio/field production system, plus a number of LDX C86^N compact cameras and several grass valley switchers including the 6 M/E Kahuna 9600 with Maverik control panel and the Kula 3 M/E switcher. The switchers feature FormatFusion technology, innovative, built-in format conversion that seamlessly handles multiformat operations. The wider rollout of Grass Valley’s K-Frame, Kahuna and Kula switchers across NEP’s fleet allows for standardized workflows that ensure greater efficiency across the group.

Mark Hilton, Grass Valley’s vice president of live production, commented: “We’re delighted to be working with NEP once again and proud to be the clear choice when it comes to supplying live IP production solutions. As NEP readies itself for a demanding year of exciting sports and live content, we very much look forward to working alongside the company in the thick of the action.”

Blackmagic Design today announced that LA based event production company No Static AV (NSAV) used an Ultra HD live production workflow featuring URSA Broadcast cameras and ATEM switchers to deliver in house AV and IMAG for the annual Baby2Baby fundraising gala, which raises millions of dollars for the nonprofit and the children living in poverty that it serves.

Held at the 3Labs event space in Culver City, CA, the Baby2Baby gala brings together celebrities, entrepreneurs and philanthropists, and the evening hosts the top chefs in Los Angeles, an exclusive auction and inspiring program, all while honoring this year’s Giving Tree Award winner, Chrissy Teigen. Past honorees include Amy Adams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner, Kerry Washington, Kate Hudson, Drew Barrymore and Jessica Alba.

With no shortage of AV deliverables, NSAV used its mobile production unit featuring a custom made flypack designed specifically with the Baby2Baby gala in mind. The unit relied on several Blackmagic Design products, including four URSA Broadcasts complete with URSA Studio Viewfinders, four Camera Fiber Converters and four Studio Fiber Converters for fiber connectivity between the cameras and switcher, an ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K and ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel for live switching, and a Smart Videohub 20x20 router to distribute content throughout the venue. NSAV also used an ATEM Camera Control Panel for remote camera control and Teranex AV standards converter for on the fly conversions.

NSAV praised the image quality from the URSA Broadcasts and the ease of use of the live production gear. The URSA Broadcasts were used for IMAG and the content was also recorded in camera in 4K and in 1080 at the mobile production unit. Camera Fiber Converters and Studio Fiber Converters were necessary for fiber communication between the cameras and the switcher, giving the team real time control of all camera aspects, and the ATEM Camera Control Panel allowed NSAV to properly adjust color correction, shading and shutter speed during rehearsals and the live show.

Multi-location production solution provider, Presteigne Broadcast Hire, has joined Sports Video Group (SVG) Europe as a Gold level member.

For nearly 15 years, SVG has provided support for all professionals who rely on video, audio, and broadband technologies to produce and distribute sports content. In addition to its mission to advance the creation, production, and distribution of sports content, it also strives to enable service providers such as Presteigne to access new business opportunities by providing a contemporary, informed understanding of the current state of the sports production marketplace.

Presteigne Broadcast Hire CEO Adrian Young explained, “SVG Europe is an invaluable platform for sharing insight into the latest workflows, applications of technology, and emerging developments in the delivery of content across multiple channels.

“Presteigne has a nearly 30-year track record as a service provider to the live sports market, and it has never been more important that we not only listen to the requirements of our customers and partners, but share the depth of our practical, hands-on experience. Being an SVG Europe Gold member enables us to do this through participation in regular summits, seminars, and roundtables in parallel with SVG Europe’s robust, year-round digital marketing programme.”

SVG Europe Editorial Director Fergal Ringrose said, “Gold Membership provides a wide range of benefits, including attendance at European and regional SVG Europe summits that have proven to be the most advanced, and talked about, professional exchange and development events in the sports production industry. We are delighted to welcome Presteigne to our team of industry-wide manufacturers, suppliers and technology developers who continuously work to improve the quality and profitability of sports programming.”

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About Presteigne Broadcast Hire

Established in 1991, Presteigne Broadcast Hire is a leading dry hire and complete multi-location production solution provider. With offices in the UK and operating globally, Presteigne Broadcast Hire has the expertise to offer worldwide solutions to meet a wide range of production needs. Its rental department is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, with access to more than 30,000 items of equipment, while specialising in project solutions where they bring their extensive RF, Audio, PPU, Server, Video, 4K, Lighting, Specialist Cameras, Communications and Project divisions together to offer customers a unique and seamless broadcasting experience.

Be it live sports, drama or documentaries, major global production companies and international broadcasters rely on Presteigne Broadcast Hire to satisfy their needs and provide the ultimate in support, 24/7, 365 days a year. Presteigne continually invests in the latest technology and solutions to ensure the ultimate customer experience. For more information, please see: http://presteigne.tv/

Marshall Electronics, a leading provider of professional cameras, monitors and accessories for professional AV and broadcast production, will showcase three new IP cameras, the CV630-IP PTZ Camera, the CV420-30X-IP Camera and the CV355-30X-IP Camera,at ISE 2020 (Stand 11-D150).

These new cameras provide a wide variety of resolution options – CV630-IP PTZ Camera offers 4K Ultra HD output at 30fps, and 1080p output at 60fps; the CV420-30X-IP provides up to UHD (3840x2160p) resolution at 60fps through simultaneous HDMI and IP streams; and the CV355-30X-IP delivers up to HD (1920x1080p) resolution at 60fps through 3G/HD-SDI (BNC), IP and HDMI. All three models offer 30X Optical Zoom range, allowing users to capture fine detail in every shot, even from a distance.

All three cameras are equipped with a next generation 8.5 Megapixel image sensor. Power can be supplied over Ethernet (PoE) or powered separately with a 12V power supply providing flexible and easy solutions for integrators. Remote control and adjustment can be delivered using the same PoE input, or dedicated RS-232 (Cat5/6) using published Visca over IP commands. Additionally, a 3.5mm audio input on the rear panel enables stereo audio embedding via AAC/G.711 encoding over IP with 44.1/48K sampling frequency.

AVer Europe, the award-winning provider of video collaboration solutions and education technology solutions, today announces the UK launch of the CAM520 PRO enterprise grade PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) camera.

The CAM520 PRO is perfect for mid to large conference rooms and features SmartFrame, IP based management, True WDR (wide dynamic range) and up to 100 programmable presets. With 18X total zoom, 1080p HD and whisper-silent Pan/Tilt/Zoom, the CAM520 PRO results in crisp images for an outstanding video experience at a competitive price.

The CAM520 PRO perfectly complements AVer’s EP65 interactive flat panel featuring Zoom Rooms integration. The 65” display can transform any meeting room into a streamlined collaboration hub for both video conferencing and face-to-face brainstorming. The EP65 allows users to interact, take notes, annotate on a shared screen and enable split-screen multitasking.

The CAM520 PRO plug-and-play USB conference camera is designed for workgroups of six to twenty people that need the power of enterprise grade video capabilities and want the convenience of remote management through a web browser or centralised management software. Users can connect to live video content from the CAM520 PRO and stream to a cloud or physical network. It is compatible with all main favourite videoconferencing applications, including Zoom Video Communications, Inc.

Bannister Lake announced today that it has entered into a partnership with Brooklyn-based data aggregator and distributor, Roadify Transit. Roadify specializes in capturing live multimode transit and mobility data from transit authorities, bike share programs, in addition to car and ride share services from around the world. Bannister Lake has developed and implemented a data parser for Roadify data that ingests schedule and real-time transit data directly into its industry-leading Chameleon data aggregation and management solution.

Within Chameleon, users will be able to strategically customize Roadify location-based data with other real-time data feeds, and use BLADE, the product's RESTful API, to strategically distribute data to specific endpoints for visualization. By targeting and extending transit and mobility data to online, mobile, OTT, and web widgets, Chameleon users will be able to create new data products that reach more viewers and generate new revenue.