Sony in 2006

New Products Included:

For Sony Broadcast Applications in 2006

In HD studio cameras, Sony introduced the new HDC1000/1500 Series firmware update to enable dual link RGB 4:4:4 HD-SDI out of the camera heads (but not dual link RGB for 720p or 1080/50P/60P).  A new Digital Extender for 2x magnification of picture by DSP (H/V) was also introduced (with this extender, sensitivity stays the same, however the resolution then drops in half).  Another modification was made with the teleprompter – 1channel to 2 channel using the spare BNC, and an Ethernet connection upgrade.

Sony introduced a new build-up kit, model HDLA1500/PMW, and a new T-Adapter HKC-T1500 55-pin 10m Multi-core (supplied in kit, to allow for removal of imaging block, max. to 50m by optional parts, current HDCZ at the time was not compatible).

The new HDVF-C730W 6.3” viewfinder replaced the HDVF-C750W viewfinder, offering better contrast, and a better viewing angle.

Sony also introduced a new HDC3300 Camera Head and HDCU3300 CCU Super Slow Motion Camera System which was used at the Super Bowl on ’06 (adding width in the back and side for additional dual processors, but which can be put in a build-up kit).  This camera offered 3x speed image processing capability (f7 at 2000 lux, 50dB typical or up to 54dB normal speed, up to 180 fields per second 1080i or 180 frames per second 720p).  EVS was the only server that could record this fast frame/field rate (using three HD-SDI outputs).  To reduce the power consumption and heat in the camera head, most of the main camera DSP processing was moved into the CCU, where HD-SDI normal speed output was available.  The camera is also designed to use SMPTE hybrid fiber cable (up to 2500 meter and frame rates depending).

Sony introduced new version 3 and version 4 software for their broadcast switchers and new version 1.6 and (later) version 2 software for their a/v Anycast Station, which not surprisingly, as a briefcase sized unit, is suited for small remote cable or IT breaking news applications.

With v3 software in the broadcast switchers, effects could be built with key frame capability.  Frame memory got expanded from 444 frames in v3 to 500 frames (fall ‘06) in v4.  Keyframes jumps to from less than 99 in v3 to more than 99 in v4 (v4 is designed to support single file save/load).

Plug editing software capability increased to allow for a basic linear edit system.   This began with v1.1 (about the level of the BVE-2000 editor), but was designed to potentially ramp up in v2/3/4 (should interest in this feature allow continued support and development).

For broadcast switchers (other than the DVS-9000), Sony remained an exclusive system in MVS to add side flags automatically or manually (to deal with 16x9 and 4x3 mixed feed content, and this does not use any switcher keyers or resources, but rather is pre-composited on input.  Also, the applicable systems have DME wipe auto crop capability to add this back in on a full frame graphic.

M2M Version 6 device monitoring was introduced at NAB ’06, with “iTMAS Intelligent Manager/Agent System” for “automatic problem resolution or problem posting”, new monitoring capability of CPU, and memory, and with a new “Pit Stop” remote device manager for remote production truck monitoring.

Sony also introduced the MediaVenue TX Server for SD and/or HD, with “everything in one chassis” with hot swappable drives (new ECC custom Sony Advanced RAID), and dual power supplies.  This was introduced as an MXF Native Server, requiring no wrap/unwrap process, or no transcoding process (best network interoperability with eVTR BKMWE3000 network interface board for MSW, or XDCAM, or XDCAM HD network connections).   Playout supports an SD and/or HD/SD internal codec (model depending, baseband output only, no DVB-ASI), where content shares the same storage. SD is MPEG Long GOP, although JOG/VAR “trick mode” is supported where applicable.  The top chassis is the I/O, model NSS-V2/2, and the lower chassis is the RAID which talks through fiber channel, model NSS-S2.  The Transfer Manager Software is BZN-02.  The RAID is designed with serial ATA drives for a 2.5TB maximum capacity (approximately 75 hrs w/50Mbps video w/8ch audio, 120 hours at 24, 150 hours at 15mbps). Control is by RS422DP, and will have VDCP support, although Sony has Media Venue Control Software for simple automation control for set up and backup support.  16 audio channels were planned to be supported, but 8 channels appear to be supported at first.

In Storage Solutions, Sony offered a single frame expandable SAIT-2 system with up to 8 cabinets (PetaSite) for up to 177,000 hours of 25Mb/s (2000TB).  SAIT-2 (next generation SAIT, “helical”, one-pass tape on head data recovery with up to 36MB/s write support per mounted active drive), was posed as 800GB on a single tape, versus 500GB on SAIT-1, with the SAIT-2 robot system supporting (with limited simultaneous mounting) up to 400 exchanges per hour (the robot elevator traverses over multiple cabinets).  The SAIT-2 system was designed to also support LTO200, and perhaps a higher level of LTO-3 later.

A new XDCAM Cart system for playout was introduced (for standard definition or XDCAM HD), the PDJ-A640 for 640 disc support, supporting a robot that can feed up to 4 decks (PDW-1500 and PDW-F70), with a barcode reader.

For Sony Business to Business products in 2006

Sony introduced the IPELA Visual Communications PCS-HG90 (HD Codec), which works with PCSA-CHG90 HD Camera, supporting HD-SDI, 1080i or 720p.

Sony introduced the VPL-Es3 LCD projector with .63” panels, 2000 lumens.   Ceiling mountable (PAM-100 mount).  Accepts HD signals.  SVGA.   Optional USB RM-PJPK1 interface.  RS-232C and monitor out, and variable audio out.  Another new model was basically an XGA version, the VPL-Ex2.

The VPL-CS/CX20A LCD projector was introduced for frequent travelers, such as “off & go”, metal case, auto setup/auto focus, just over 4lbs, 2” thick.

The additional lineup included the VPL-CX76 (XGA native) LCD projector, with 802.11b/g wireless access (to support multiple presenters), 2500 ANSI, and the VPL-CX86 (XGA native), big brother to the above, at 3000 ANSI, which can also be installed.  Also included was the VPL-CX80 (XGA native) with 3000 ANSI, the VPL-PX41 (XGA native) with 3500 ANSI, and the VPL-FX52 series (with standard lens) and VPL-FX52L (without lens) XGA native units with 6000 ANSI.  In ’06, this VPL-FX52 continued to be the Sony recommended business projector for boardrooms and lecture halls, in the absence of budgeting and consideration for consumer display product (although at reduced brightness) or in the case of, say, a medical lecture hall, the fully bright 10,000 ASI Lumen 4K SXRD.

In Large Format LCD, for Plasma (up to 50”) Public Display applications, using 7th generation panels so they work modularly with different applications, Sony offered the FWD-40LX1 40” Dual Card Slot and 32 inch single card slot FWD-32LX1/R Professional LCD Displays.  Added to this was the FWD-50PX2 dual card slot 50” 1366x768 model, and the FWD-42PX2 1024x768 dual card slot unit.  This was in addition to the FWD-42PV1 dual card slot version, and the portrait model FWD-42PV1P dual card slot version (with different fan configuration to keep proper temperature).

Also into the Sony lineup was the BKM-FW50 Network Media Card, which also accepted a compact flash card, and the MFM-HT95 19” SXGA/1280x1024) PC Input (DVI/Analog) model, with video inputs (DVI-HDCP), and analog NTSC Tuner.  A new MFM-HT205 was introduced that was 1080p capable, at 20”D, and supported 1680x1050 natively.  As well, new for ‘06 was the MFM-H246 24” 1920x1200 HDTV Monitor with 6ms pixel response, either native 1080 or scale to 1200. 1000:1 contrast ratio, and 500 nit brightness, with PCI DVI/Analog input.  It was introduced to support DVI-HDCP, HDMI, and analog HD (through HD 15 pin), but was not intended for something like PS3 viewing, and more likely intended for Pro AV and Digital Editing, games, and non-surgical medical applications.

Also in ’06, Sony introduced the model BKM-FW40 High Definition Streaming Card, supporting MPEG-2 TS and RTP over UDP/IP system layer protocol for lip sync., MPEG-4 H.264 Video.  This could be fit into the card slot of certain Bravia Hotel TVs for ’06 such as the 32”/26” KLH-W32U, KLHW26U models, with 1366x768 resolution, HDMI input, and specialized network controlled tuners (and Card slot).  Included with these units was a base stand (which was removable).

For Sony Production and Acquisition products in 2006

In HDCAM Acquisition tools, Sony introduced the new HDW-F900R CineAlta Camcorder.   This was an incremental improvement (or “refinement” as in modifying but also reducing certain features) over the previous HDW-F900 (same CCD, but now has 12-bit A/D), which not only reduced or eliminated lead content (for the Green initiative), but provided updated I/Os (including HD-SDI output).  New option boards specifically for the HDW-F900R (only) are the new HKDW-902R 2:3 pull-down board w/down converter (center cut, letterbox, squeeze), with VBS output, SD-SDI output, and the new HKDW-905R Slow Shutter/Image Inverter Board, which featured a modified version of the HKDW-705 with image inverter in it.

For XDCAM HD, introduced was the ½”/1.5M pixel 3 CCD (progressive and interlace capable) broadcast version PDW-F350 with 2.0 VF, separated connectors for TC in and out, and XLR balanced audio output (5-pin breakout), and HD-SDI output.  The PDW-F350 also supports over-under crank capability. The PDW-F330 is more of the professional version with 1.5” VF, TC I/O (switch for either IN or OUT, but not both at the same time).   The PDW-F330 has IEEE I/O for FAM (file access mode, and for DVCAM with AVC control) but otherwise has only analog outputs (lacking the HD-SDI out), and audio is RCA pinx2 output.

XDCAM-HD uses elementary stream file based optical disc (“professional Blu-Ray-type”) recording versus the transport stream recording of the HVR-Z1U tape based system.   For This is remapped in the XDCAM decks when you originate in the SP 25Mbps CBR mode and output this as .M2T Transport Stream iLink with the optional HDV board.

New ½” lenses from Canon for these XDCAM HD cameras included the KH21ex5.7 IRSE, and KH10ex3.6 IRSE.  New Fujinon 1/2” lenses included the 17x5.5BRM, XS13x3.3BRM, and HS16x4.6BERM.  Canon also continued the LO-32BMT Canon 2/3” lens adapter, although with this adapter, 28% cannot be captured of the wide-angle area.

New to XDCAM HD was the improved PDW-R1 XDCAM standard definition only field recorder.   AC/DC, SDI I/O with embedded audio, composite video I/O, 2-Ch balanced Audio I/O, and front panel video control (video levels through menus to assign buttons to control levels).  This unit was designed to support 10/100 Ethernet and iLink (FAM and DV streaming output), and offered a new backlit B/W LCD display, and reduced power consumption reduced by 4.5 watts to 32w, a handle and side panel re-design for improved heat distribution (on the handle).

A new battery charger was introduced, the BC-M150, which charges sequentially.  The new BC-L500 charges all 4 batteries at one time, in about 2.5 hours as opposed to 8 (BP-GL95/65).  There is no DC output from the new charger.  The charger is considered to be “vertically stackable” at 3RU high, and is 19” wide (but if in a rack, it has to go on the shelf as there is no rack kit).  It supports a charge status indicator and warning status LED.

For HDV-2 acquisition, Sony introduced the new HVRV1U 3CMOS camcorder.

For Sony Audio products in 2006

For audio, Sony introduced new UWP Series wireless microphones for entry level applications.  The WL-800 Series wireless microphones continue to be designed more for professional or broadcast applications.

New to the UWP lineup was the MB-X6 Tuner Base (frame only, not modules), at 1RU 19” wide.  It could hold up to 6 receivers (six modular tuners) of URX-1 (UWP Series) or technically could hold the WRU-806B (WL-800 Professional Series).

Also new was the UWPC3 plug-on package plug-on transmitter and portable diversity tuner with belt clip and microphone stand adapter (shoe mount adapter).  Again, this being the entry level series, it will not work with the WL-800 Professional Series.

For the WL Professional Series, Sony introduced a new WRT-8P plug-on transmitter, which works with any of the WL-800 series receiver models, and provides up to 250Mw of output (50/250Mw capable), and provides +48V phantom power, with a MIC/Line input selector.   This transmitter functions with microphones such as the ECM-678 or ECM-674, or F-112 microphone, or even the output of the DMX-PO1 line output.

Also new was the ’06 WL-800 series models offering TV band expanded frequencies range to include 30/32 and 42/44 blocks of new channels.  This adds to the previously used blocks of 62/64 and 66/68 in existing, older professional WL Series product.

The Sony ECM-88C dual diaphragm continued to be unique in design for ’06 in that it cancels out handling noise, and with its 20 to 20,000 flat response, is suitable for music recording (the only lavaliere microphone that can do this).  This microphone can be used in a variety of ways, such as also with the WRT-8B Body pack transmitter.

Sony introduced a new ECM-673 Short Shotgun Microphone for camcorder mounting and video production, sporting an XLR connector, an 8” length, and being ideal for small camcorders such as the HVR-Z1U.

Also introduced in ’06 was an amazing new single channel PCM-D1 Linear PCM recorder, with 96kHz 24-bit capability, and 4GB internal flash memory (2 hours at the highest quality). It records to a wave file with USB 2 output, and supports removable Memory Stick Pro High-Speed. It has built-in high quality X-Y configuration condenser microphones (matched within 1dB of each other) with nearly 30 kHz frequency response.  It is powered by USB external power, or takes 4xAA nickel metal hydride batteries.  With USB 2.0, it can connect with PC and Mac.  The model includes a windscreen, soft case, and wrist strap.

Also introduced was a new MZ-M200 Hi-MD Recorder for music, or lectures that records Mini-Disk (Hi-MD 16-but 44.1 CD quality linear PCM).   The Hi-MD stores 1GB of capacity.  You never have to erase your master.  94 minutes recording time at highest quality 44.1kHz 16-bit.  Also supports ATRAC3 plus.  USB 2.0 for upload recordings to a PC, includes MAC and Win-PC software to convert to .WAV files.

Also introduced were the new MDR-7509HD professional headphones (which extended from 5 cycles out to 80kHz).

For Sony or Sony Related Post Production tools in 2006

New to Sony was the announcement of the HDWD1800 and HDW1800 VTRs.

New to HDV-2 were the new Sony HDV deck models HVR1500, HVRM15U and HVRM25U, for HDV, DVCAM, DV, standard cassettes.  They support recording up to 276 minutes of pre-encoded HDV-2 video on a standard cassette.  All allow for down conversion and TC copy (something the HVRM10U did not support), and are both 60/50 Hz NTSC/PAL capable with 4-pin iLink connection capability.

New changes to Sony’s PDZ-1 software included Version 2.01 to recognize 24 frame TC, and 18 Mb/s, 16:9 thumbnail display, and export of Microsoft .ASF file using subclip list (which can be played by Microsoft Media Player MP9 or later).  Also added was IEEE file copy mode that also copies metadata using FAM mode.

Introduced for Sony XDCAM HD was the new PDW-F70 recorder, and PDW-F30 viewer/NLE feeder/file recorder, with (limited mount, and depending on the model) option boards.

Sony Vegas 7 introduced more extensive support for XDCAM HD in the fall of ‘ 06.

For Final Cut Pro, version 5.1.2, XDCAM HD native support for 18, 25, and 35Mb/s is now supported.

Panasonic in 2006

New Products Included:

New Panasonic Type 9 Plasma screens
(with PF models 50, 65, and 103" supporting 1080/60 through analog or DVI-D connection)

New 26" BT-LH2600W LCD 1366x768 (with pixel to pixel map mode)

AJ-HDX900 2/3" 3-CCD DVCPRO HD Camcorder

Panasonic announced the new AJ-HPC2000 2/3" 3CCD P2 High Definition/Standard Definition Camcorder with digital zoom capability, pre-record function, and stereo front microphone support (for HD, the recording format is selectable H.264 or DVCPRO HD compression, and for SD, the recording format is selectable DVCPRO or DVCPRO 50 compression).

Panasonic also introduced a new P2 mobile recorder, model AJ-HPM100, with a 9-inch LCD monitor and built-in stereo speakers.  This unit sports 6 P2 card slots, and 1 SD card slot, and supports audio split edit function, voice over function, up convert function (from SD to HD), and playlist function.

Panasonic introduced a new multi-card reader P2 drive, model AJ-PCD20, with 5 P2 card slots and both a USB2.0 and an IEEE 1394b interface.

Panasonic introduced a new HD P2 "station" P2 card recorder/player model AJ-HPS1500 (no built in HDD, just cards only), emulating a VTR control and I/O capability and "jog shuttle" knob.  This unit has 5 P2 card slots, two USB2.0 port interfaces, and an IEEE 1394b interface.

Panasonic also introduced a number of changes and additions to their popular convertible camera series lineup to continue to meet a variety of applications ranging from studio to surveillance to sports.

JVC in 2006

New Products Included:

New GY-HD250U ProHD 1/3" 3-CCD High Definition Camcorder with 720/59.94 record capability, full resolution 1280x720 IT CCDs, HD-SDI output with time code and embedded audio, interchangeable lens with 1/3" bayonet mount, Patented Focus Assist function, 6-pin IEEE 1394 and XLR audio connectors, genlock and pool feed capable, and optional KA-HD250 Studio Adapter with 26-pin connection.

New GY-HD200U ProHD 1/3" 3-CCD High Definition Camcorder with 720/59.94 record capability, full resolution 1280x720 IT CCDs, interchangeable lens with 1/3" bayonet mount.

New SA-HD50U HDV Encoder/Decoder for real-time MPEG-2 encoding/decoding with HD-SDI I/O.

Updated 01/17/07