At NAB 2019, Sony unveils products, solutions and workflows Powering Today, Transforming Tomorrow

Author: Marlin PR

Published: 09 April 2019

At NAB 2019, Sony unveils products, solutions and workflows and lsquo;Powering Today, Transforming Tomorrow and rsquo;

At NAB 2019, Sony is showcasing its latest solutions which offer further creative options and greater flexibility to enable new and existing broadcast and media customers to future-proof their businesses and bring their visions to life. From content creation and cinematography to live production, from IP solution to Intelligent Media Services, Sony is championing the latest technology & services to support professionals to power today and transform tomorrow.
As the media industry undergoes continual transformation, Sony’s stand will focus on two core areas: content value and workflow efficiency. Sony’s commitment towards content value will be demonstrated through its solution technologies, which help create engaging assets in 4K, 8K, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and High Frame Rate (HFR). Shifting the focus onto workflow efficiencies, Sony will also showcase its IP and media services, which support interoperability, drive flexibility, provide automation, enhance collaboration and ultimately, power global distribution.
“To meet our customers’ imminent demands during this time of significant change, our mission and guiding principle is to go on this journey with them hand-in-hand, and create compelling solutions which meet real-life industry challenges,” said Stuart Almond, Head of Intelligent Media Services, Sony Professional Solutions Europe. “At Sony, we are committed to working closely with content creators and distributors to inspire and enable them to creatively bring their visions to life.
“Seeing is believing”: Crystal LED display system
At the heart of Sony’s booth will once again be Sony’s Crystal LED display system, delivering 8K x 2K visual images and ultra-real content, proving “seeing is believing” - demonstrating why leading broadcast and advanced companies from various sectors, such as retail and entertainment, have chosen Crystal LED for various applications.
Business Transformation: Intelligent Media Services (IMS)
Sony will be showcasing its developments across the range of cloud-based services and micro-services with its Intelligent Media Services , designed to transform traditional media supply chains by unlocking more value from content to enrich audience engagement and providing OTT subscription services for additional digital and linear revenue streams. At NAB 2019, Intelligent Media Services will be shown across a variety of broadcast workflows and operations including Sports and Production workflows, demonstrating the ability of Sony’s solutions to transform workflow efficiencies and enable customers to create, control, connect and deliver content anytime, anywhere, across a wide range of distribution platforms.
Ci Media Cloud: Integrated AI capabilities supporting object recognition, speech-to-text and facial detection in Sony’s Ci Media Cloud improves discoverability, searchability and provides enhanced transcription. Ci also offers live contribution, streaming and clipping for capturing and watching live streams anywhere.
Crispin Automation: Crispin’s LoadingDock and FARlink software provides stations with the ability to aggregate program and commercial content from various locations in the cloud and on-premise by using a centralised solution. Combining Crispin’s traffic interface and FARlink integration with Sony Ci, station groups can manage and execute playback of all of their content from the cloud.
Media Backbone NavigatorX: Sony’s Media Backbone NavigatorX is a content and workflow management solution in on-premise, hybrid, and cloud configurations. Showcasing new features such as native support for additional professional formats which includes R3D, DNG, DPX, and EPS.
XDCAM air: XDCAM air is Sony’s cloud-based service, which bridges field-based camcorders with facilities. XDCAM air integrates with Media Backbone Hive, Media Backbone NavigatorX, and 3rd-party systems to enable streamlined acquisition workflows. New features include support for audio intercom functionality, HEVC (H.265) streaming, and multi-point distribution streaming.
Media Backbone Hive: Media Backbone Hive is an integrated news and sports production system, available as an on premise or cloud-based solution, which streamlines production workflows from planning to archive. New features include ST2110 ingest and playout, XDCAM air live-stream and file-based workflow integration.
Virtual Production: A subscription-based, on-demand solution hosted in the cloud that provides a complete production toolset for simultaneous, multi-platform professional streaming that requires no infrastructure or upfront investment.

Meeting quality and efficiency challenges: Live Production
4K/HD HDR live camera system: Sony introduces the latest addition to its HDC family of 4K live systems cameras, the HDC-5500, a new multi-format live camera capable of direct 4K signal output in 12G-SDI. It features the world’s first 2/3-inch 4K global shutter with three CMOS sensors that ensure superb image quality in HD, 4K and HDR live production. When used in conjunction with the new HDCU-5500 camera control unit (CCU), the pair offers Ultra High Bitrate (UHB) transmission which transmits 2 channels of 4K signals at a time without baseband processor unit. The new half rack sized CCU provides both 12G-SDI, 4K and IP interfaces, SMPTE ST 2110 and NMOS IS-04/05 through optional hardware. This new HDC-5500 system camera responds to industry demands for 4K, HDR, HFR, IP and wireless live production and provides broadcasters with a flexible and cost-effective way to upgrade from their current systems.
Live Element Orchestrator and new SDI-IP Converter Boards: Sony is enhancing its IP Live Production Solutions with Live Element Orchestrator, its first system orchestration software, to increase the performance and utilisation of resources, as well as reduce the system downtime - further improving productivity in content production. Live Element Orchestrator provides overall system management of an IP-based production system and, with it, resources can now be shared across multiple locations and configurations. Sony’s two new SDI-IP converter boards, the NXLK-IP50Y and NXLK-IP51Y (12G-SDI), offer support for SMPTE ST 2110 standards with HDR compatibility. At Sony’s stand, visitors can see the complete system of IP Live production supporting SMPTE ST 2110 standard both in HD and 4K. Sony is additionally demonstrating operational IP-enabled remote production of real-time video game tournaments taking place in the eSports Arena located at the Luxor Hotel, managed by Sony’s Live Element Orchestrator and the remote production signals transmitted in SMPTE ST 2110 via 10GbE WAVE provided by Century Link.
DWX Digital Wireless receiver: Quality and efficiency are significant not only in video but also in audio. Sony’s DWX series of digital wireless microphone systems are used for various productions including live, broadcast, theatres and events. Via a firmware upgrade, the DWR-R03D 2-channel digital wireless receiver is adding new features such as an auto frequency change mode to prevent audio dropouts, an auto channel coordination for easy and simple channel setting, an output swap function, a graphical spectrum analyser which shows the interference visually, and adds CODEC MODE4 which prioritises audio quality and transmission stability.

Enabling maximum creative freedom: Cinema, CM and Program productions
VENICE, next-generation digital motion picture camera: Designed exclusively for high-end cinematography, VENICE continues to deliver not only exceptional images but complete flexibility, creative freedom and its established workflow matches filmmaker’s shooting requirements. Its newly-released firmware version 3.0 added two new imager modes: 5.7K 16:9 and 6K (full-width) 2.39:1, as well as X-OCN XT and Cache REC. It also enabled the use of Sony’s new portable and lightweight Extension System (CBK-3610XS) developed in collaboration with James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment to shoot the ‘AVATAR’ sequels - allowing for cabled separation between the VENICE camera body and image sensor block. Furthermore, firmware version 4.0 was also recently announced, adding High Frame Rate (HFR) shooting capabilities of 4K 120fps and 6K 60fps with an optional license. Version 4.0 Firmware is planned to be available in June. VENICE has been used for principal photography on Sony Pictures’ ‘Bad Boys for Life’ starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, and ‘Peter Rabbit 2’ which is being released in 2020.
BVM-HX310, 31-inch Grade 1 reference monitor: Announced at IBC last year, the BVM-HX310 is being shown for the first time at NAB. It is ideal for 4K HDR colour grading, shading and QC applications. The BVM-HX310 supports wide colour gamut including DCI P3, ITU R BT.2020, S Gamut3.Cine and S Gamut3. The advanced performance of the TRIMASTER HX panel enables the monitor to achieve 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. With consistent and faithful colour reproduction over the entire luminance range, it’s an excellent tool for digital cinematography and post production workflows. Furthermore, the BVM-HX310 has useful functions like User LUT, Quad View and automatic HDR setting by VPID for various workflows.
Xperia™ smartphone: Sony’s Xperia 1 is 4K OLED smartphone with a 21:9 CinemaWide™ 6.5” display. Creator mode (ITU-R BT.2020 support and 10bit* tonal gradation) is inspired by Sony’s Master Monitors for accurate colour reproduction. Cinema Pro “Powered by CineAlta”, provides a natural cinematic shooting experience with expression-based colour management pre-sets.
*8-Bit display with 2-Bit software smoothing
LMD-A240, LMD-A220, LMD-A170 Professional monitors: Version 3 firmware for the LMD-A240, LMD-A220 and LMD-A170 offers HDR production enhancements, which support multiple EOTFs such as SMPTE ST 2084 (PQ), ITU-R BT.2100 (HLG), S-Log2, S-Log3, S-Log 3 (Live HDR) and 2.4 (HDR). Switching EOTFs, maximum brightness is automatically set and, by supporting ITU-R BT.2020, these monitors are capable of accurate colour reproduction in HDR with a lower cost than conventional 4K HDR monitors.
New style and new expression: News and Documentary production
CBK-FS7BK ENG-style build-up kit for PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS7 ll: Sony’s popular PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS7 II XDCAM camcorders will be optimised for news gathering with the new CBK-FS7BK ENG-Style build-up kit and an LA-EB1, B4 lens to E mount adapter. The build-up kit enables ENG-like operator experience, while the LA-EB1 allows operators to shoot deep Depth of Field (DoF) with the high zoom ratio necessary for traditional news production. The build-up kit also features an extension unit with a wireless audio receiver slot and a built-in wireless capability, which provides advanced network operation for broadcast usage.
UWP-D wireless microphone systems: With a new compact and lightweight design, the latest UWP-D wireless microphone series offers a unique “NFC SYNC” feature, which gives audio professionals a simple and fast frequency setting between the transmitter and the receiver. They also offer superior sound quality by supporting a newly added Digital Audio Interface using Multi Interface Shoe™ (MI shoe). Furthemore, the new microphone systems enable direct digital audio recording and delivers high sound quality with low noise by skipping the D/A and A/D process in combination with a new SMAD-P5 MI shoe adaptor and Sony’s XDCAM camcorders PXW-Z280 and PXW-Z190 XDCAM camcorders.
PXW-Z280 and PXW-Z190 XDCAM handheld camcorders: Sony’s PXW-Z280 and PXW-Z190 camcorders will enhance their capabilities with a new firmware Version 3.0 upgrade, which includes wireless file transfer with Dual Link connection, file transfer without the use of a mobile app. Furthermore, it has support for Multi-Interface Shoe™ (MI shoe) with Digital Audio Interface to enable superior sound and enhanced usability with the new UWP-D wireless microphone series.

Simple but professional quality content creation for broadcast, education, corporate and government
BRC-X400 4K pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera: Sony’s newest 4K pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, the BRC-X400, is ideal for cost-efficient content creation, including broadcast applications as well as shooting in large venues. The camera supports IP and is equipped with NDI®|HX capability with an optional license. It can also be used in conjunction with REA-C1000, Sony’s first AI-based video analytic solution.
HXR-MC88 HD Palm-sized camcorder: Sony introduces a new HXR-MC88 palm-size camcorder, enabling cost-effective and professional quality HD content, which responds to the growing demands for video content in various environments including education, corporate and government. With a large 14.2 megapixel 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, users can capture high-quality images with less noise in both light and dark conditions. The camera also features a Fast Hybrid Auto Focus system for seamlessly capturing content. Additional highlights include built-in 4 step ND filters and 12x optical zoom, which can be doubled to 24x with Clear Image Zoom while maintaining full resolution using Super Resolution Technology and 48x zoom with Sony’s Digital Extender.
New technology for 4K recording
PZW-4000 4K XAVC Recorder: Sony’s PZW-4000 4K XAVC recorder supports XAVC-L422 QFHD 200 recording/playback along with XAVC-I QFHD 300. It also allows for direct playout from SxS memory cards without ingesting media into an internal SSD, in addition to simultaneous recording to the internal SSD and SxS card. Furthermore, a VTR-like, simple control panel comes along enabling professionals to easily control operations.
SxS Memory Card and Reader/Writer: Sony’s SBP-120F (120GB) and SBP-240F (240GB) are the newest addition to Sony’s durable and reliable SxS PRO X Card line-up. Both offer ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps and enable stable capture of high bitrate content. Used in conjunction with the new reader/writer, SBAC-T40 equipped with Thunderbolt™ 3 interface*, enables the transfer of 240GB of video content in approximately 3.5 minutes.
*Under certification. Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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