Leader Electronics reports an accelerating transition to high-definition high-dynamic-range production across the broadcast industry with the majority of television networks holding back from introducing 4K-UHD services.
"ATSC 3.0 looks set to be a key theme of the April 2022 NAB Show given the very large number of 4K-UHD TV sets now in consumer ownership," says Kevin Salvidge, Leader Europe’s Sales Engineering Manager. "4K-UHD is very much part of that standard but relatively few terrestrial or satellite broadcasters have yet committed to transmitting in that resolution, let alone in 4K-UHD HDR.
"Broadcasters have long been concerned that the 55 inch average size of domestic TV displays does not offer the full benefit of 4K-UHD resolution. Couple this with the increased infrastructure required to support 4K-UHD production and it becomes obvious why broadcasters are struggling to justify 4K-UHD transmission.
"The feedback we are experiencing from across the industry, particularly the sports OB sector, is that many TV networks are now seriously considering HD-HDR as the way forward. Most consumer 4K-UHD television displays incorporate high quality upconverters which perform well from HD source content. Originating in HD-HDR adds enormously to the viewing experience, whether seen in its native resolution or on a 4K-HDR TV display. HD-HDR can be handled in a broadcast facility using existing 3G-SDI infrastructure.
"All test instruments in Leader's ZEN Series come as standard with the tools needed for HD-HDR signal analysis. 4K/UHDTV (SER28) and HDR (SER23) tools can be activated at any time in the future by purchasing a software license key. The SER23 HDR Analysis license supports HLG, PQ (SMPTE 2084), S-Log-3, C-Log and Log-C analysis. The LV5600 and LV7600 can simultaneously display multiple HDR transfer characters in HD, which is essential for live production.
Leader's LV5600 is a mains-powered SDI/IP waveform monitor in a half-rack width 3U desktop chassis with a touch-screen front panel display. It provides the facilities needed to monitor SDI as well as video-over-IP signals seamlessly in a hybrid operating environment. Engineering-related features include test pattern generation, eye pattern display, closed-caption monitoring, CIE chroma chart, HDR measurement, focus assist, customizable screen layout, tally interface, 4K/UHD operation, 10G IP input and 12G-SDI interfaces. SMPTE 2022-6, SMPTE 2022-7 and SMPTE 2110 protocols are all supported. The LV5600 also incorporates Leader's intuitive CINEZONE and CINELITE which are familiar to many content production staff. The LV7600 rasterizing waveform monitor offers the same capabilities as the LV5600 but in a low-profile 19 inch 1U form-factor for easy rack or desk mounting.
All ZEN series products with HDR analysis will be on display at the Leader booth, C6118, during the April 24th-27th 2022 NAB Show in Las Vegas.
About Leader Electronics Corporation
Leader Electronics Corporation (www.leader.co.jp/en) has earned a worldwide reputation for designing and manufacturing highly reliable, practical and powerful test and measurement instruments. Leader products are specified for broadcast, production, post-production, research, product development and service applications. Manufacturing quality is built in every step of the way.
The Leader product range includes award-winning 3G/HD/SD SDI waveform monitors and rasterizers, all with customizable layouts. Among the available options are 4K/UHD, CIE chroma chart, HDR measurement, test pattern generation, eye and jitter measurement, closed-caption display, IP and 12G/6G-SDI.
Leader has helped many customers manage their transition from analog to digital, from SD to HD, from HD to 4K/UHD, from SDR to HDR and from BT.709 to BT.2020 wide chroma gamut. Leader also provides SMPTE ST2022-7 and ST2110 support for the transition from SDI to IP.
