Day: Sep 2, 2019

FOR-A to Introduce Converters and Latest Version of Signal Processor

Posted on by contentntek in Event, Multimedia, News

Selected for use at the upcoming 2019 World Rugby event, 2020 Tokyo Summer games, and new professional football leagues in Europe, FOR-A’s FRC-9100 broadcast frame rate converters and FA-9600 dual channel signal processors are gaining attention from premiere broadcasters looking for the highest quality image conversion technology at these high profile events.

At IBC this year, FOR-A will introduce the new FRC-9100 frame rate converter. The FRC-9100 builds upon the success of FOR-A’s FRC-9000 frame rate converter – trusted by broadcasters throughout the world to deliver the highest quality live frame rate conversion for sports and other events. Designed for live broadcast transmission, the FRC-9100 offers up to two independent channels of 3G/HD/SD-SDI frame rate conversion, along with optional 4K and 12G-SDI support. The FRC-9100 will be deployed by several broadcasters to deliver high-quality conversion for next year’s Tokyo Summer Games in both HD and 4K/UHD operation.

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Main features of new FRC-9100 include:

  • 3G/HD/SD multi-format support
  • SD to 3G/HD up conversion
  • Conversion with motion-compensated processing
  • Interlace-to-Progressive conversion
  • Timecode (LTC/VITC) conversion
  • 4K UHD (SQD/2SI) and 12G-SDI support (Optional)
  • Up/down/cross frame rate conversions between 4K and HD (Optional)
  • Simultaneous conversion of 2-channel video inputs (Optional)
  • Able to store up to 4 Dolby E encoder/decoder modules (Optional)

Also at IBC will be the latest version of FOR-A’s FA-9600 multi-purpose signal processor, which was first shown at NAB in Las Vegas this April. The new optional SFP+ card allows the FA-9600 to install SFP+ modules. With it, the FA-9600 can convert IP inputs to SDI, SDI inputs to IP output, as well as SDI inputs to optical output. The FA-9600 is ideal for use in HDR live production or 4K HDR and HD-HDR/SDR simultaneous production.

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The latest version of the FA-9600 supports 3D LUT for advanced color grading and Sony’s SR Live workflow for live HDR production. The FA-9600 flexibility allows for customers own LUT’s to be loaded into the FA-9600 and saved to a user LUT for instant recall. The dual-channel unit also provides HDR and Wide Color Gamut support and conversion of multiple formats, such as: 12G-SDI, 4K UHD, 1080p, and SD/HD-SDI. SR Live for HDR to 2K-SDR down conversion provides the same picture quality without deterioration.

In addition to conversion, each channel offers independent frame sync, frame delay (up to 8 frames), color correction, processing amplification, 1080p/1080i level A/B conversion, and many more features for video and audio processing.

FOR-A will also debut the MCC-4K-A motion-compensated UHDTV standards converter at the show. The MCC-4K-A provides high-quality frame rate and format conversion with motion adaptive capability for 4K UHD (12G-SDI/quad link 3G-SDI)/3G/HD-SDI signals and offers support for quad link 2SI or SQD format, as well as single link 12G BNC and SFP connectivity. The MCC-4K-A offers dynamic range conversion between PQ, HLG, S-Log 3, SDR and other log curves, and provides color gamut conversion between ITU-R BT.709 and ITU-R BT.2020 standards.

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The MCC-4K-A is ideal for live frame rate conversion applications where UHD content sourced at a chosen production frame rate needs to be converted to other frame rates for international contribution and distribution, including sports, concerts and breaking news environments. The MCC-4K-A makes simultaneous transmissions in UHD and HD easy, and is also a perfect solution for integrating HD and 3G content into UHD programming. The MCC-4K-A is developed by UK-based InSync Technology Ltd, and will be exclusively distributed worldwide by FOR-A.

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WGTD-FM Creates Local Sports Revenue Stream with JVC Cameras, ProHD Studio 4000S Production System

Posted on by contentntek in News, Production & Post Production

The station began using the new JVC system a few weeks into the 2018 football season, and produced this season’s first game on Aug. 23.

All coverage is streamed to Facebook Live in 720p, with the station rotating game coverage between several venues. For the upcoming football season, the production crew will be located in the press box at each field, with two cameras positioned in the “crow’s nest” outside the press box and the third on the field. The GY-HM250SPs are connected to the Studio 4000S via HD-SDI.

“The cameras are absolutely incredible,” said Troy McDonald, digital director and development specialist for the station. “They are lightweight and easy to use. The picture is so clear – people are impressed.”

In an effort to find a new revenue stream, the station decided to explore new ways to find an audience by covering Kenosha and Walworth County high school football and basketball. With its classical, jazz, and news programming, the radio station attracts an older audience that creates a challenging sales environment.

WGTD tested the idea using iPads as cameras that were wirelessly connected to a master iPad running iOS-based switcher software. The system relied on cellular service, so there were a lot of connectivity issues. “It was just not pretty,” admitted McDonald. “It’s a miracle we generated an audience to prove the concept.”

 

McDonald said the integrated replay system in the Studio 4000S was a huge selling point. A dedicated replay tab offers a preview of every camera, and allows the operator to easily produce slow-motion replays with dynamic camera switching and freeze frame options. “It lets us have that feature that heightens the drama and keeps viewers engaged,” he explained. “The software is so easy to use. It’s made a huge difference for us.”

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With the previous system, football scorekeeping was done manually, and the crew did not even attempt to keep score for basketball. Now, game coverage includes lower-thirds with names and logos. The crew also brings a SportzCast Scorebot to every game, connects it to the scoreboard, and receives automatic scoring updates to the 4000S wirelessly.  “The graphics through the 4000S have added a whole other layer to what we do – and it’s great,” McDonald said.

WGTD covers one game per week during the regular season, plus playoffs. The station also partners with Indian Trail High School in Kenosha, which has a communications program, to coordinate paid student production crews. During the year, students also produce local commercials that run during breaks in the sports coverage. McDonald said the student crews gain valuable experience, while the local student athletes get recruiting footage that looks professional.

The first fully integrated Facebook Live professional camcorder in the industry, the GY-HM250SP includes an integrated 24x dynamic zoom lens with optical image stabilizer, integrated sports graphics, dual XLR audio inputs, and support for a variety of file formats and frame rates. Both the 4000S and the enhanced CONNECTED CAM Studio 6000S, a new six-input model that supports NDI® and SRT streaming protocols, feature include an integrated audio mixer, four layers of DSK, and production switcher with automated switching mode and choice of transitions.

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Densitron introduces two new WUXGA HDMI monitors

Posted on by contentntek in Event, Multimedia, News, Products

Both of the monitors feature convenient HDMI connectivity, in-plane switching, high contrast, 1200×1920 resolution, improved colour saturation, a native four-lane MIPI interface, and single VDD power supply.

Densitron Global Business Development Director, Chris Goodhall, said, “We are launching these new displays because there is a distinct need for exceptional high-resolution and wide viewing angle displays for a number of applications that the market is not currently addressing. We are confident that these models will join the rest of our range as the best and most optically pristine high-performance displays of their size in the market.”

The 7” version provides peak luminance of 450cd/m2, adjustable brightness, and includes IPS technology that provides 80/80/80/80 symmetric viewing.

Similarly, the 10.1” display provides peak luminance of 600cd/m2, adjustable brightness, as well as IPS technology that provides 85/85/85/85 symmetric viewing.

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Both models also provide the twin benefits of optical bonding with Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT) as standard. Furthermore, both are designed to operate continuously in “24/7” mode, with a backlight half-life of 50,000 hours, which is approximately five years.

Goodhall added, “Reliability and longevity are hallmarks of Densitron, which has stood for quality for more than 45 years. By continually improving processes and technologies, we are able to introduce new monitors such as these that are built to, and beyond, the industry’s highest standards.”

Both new monitors are available immediately and will make their public debut at IBC 2019 in Amsterdam from 13-17 September on Stand 8.B41.

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“My Name Is Violeta”, selected to participate in the San Sebastian Film Festival in the Made in Spain section

Posted on by contentntek in News, Production & Post Production

“My Name Is Violeta”, a THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO and Polar Star Films co-production directed by David Fernández de Castro and Marc Parramon, is set to take part in the San Sebastian Film Festival. The non-competitive section Made in Spain will host the film screening this coming September 27th.

The film was officially presented out of competition at the recent edition of the Malaga Film Festival. “My Name Is Violeta” also took part in the DocsBarcelona Festival, ​​where it won two awards: the Audience Award and the Amnesty International Award.

“My Name Is Violeta” revolves around two very different families who share a common situation: both have trans-gender children. Violeta, 11, daughter of the adult film actor and producer Nacho Vidal, is (so far) having a relatively placid transition, although her parents, baffled, took a while to assume her new identity.

Alan wasn’t so lucky, bullied at school, the love of his family wasn’t enough to avert a tragic end which moved the entire town where he was born. Based on the two stories, the profoundly moving film shows a society which is making strides in accepting trans-gender children, but which still has a long way to go.

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Leader Test Instruments Keep Mediapro OBs On Track

Posted on by contentntek in Multimedia, News, Production & Post Production

Leader LV5490, LV5350 and LV5333 test equipment formed the core signal monitoring resource deployed by Barcelona-based television production group Mediapro for its coverage of the recent UEFA Champions League Final in Madrid. Selected by UEFA as the host broadcaster, Mediapro fielded multiple OB vehicles, 42 cameras and more than 150 crew to capture the match for 4K and HD simulcasting. The project was accomplished in cooperation with system specialist and production services provider Mediaburst.

“The Leader instruments gave us the full range of facilities needed to ensure accurate colour matching from the very large number of signal sources,” comments Mediapro CTO and Operations Manager Emili Planas Quintana. “Shooting in 4K is especially demanding as the fourfold increase in resolution compared with HD means every aspect of the production process has to be handled with even greater care to ensure the improved quality is maintained right through the signal processing chain. Leader’s operator-assignable multiscreen feature is particularly useful for side-by-side comparison of the various signal parameters.”

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“This was the latest in a long series of high profile sports events at which Leader instruments have been deployed to ensure high quality signal monitoring,” adds Kevin Salvidge, Leader’s European Regional Development Manager. “Sport OB continues to be the primary driver for 4K-UHD broadcasting as the extra detail which can be delivered really brings match coverage alive. A key feature of the LV5490 is the ease with which it can be configured to match a wide choice of production standards. These can be selected either at the time of purchase or added as optional upgrades during the proven very long lifetime of Leader test instruments.”

As well as the UEFA Champions League Final in Madrid, Mediapro also used Leader test equipment in Baku for the production of the UEFA Europa League Final and in Portugal for the UEFA Nations League Finals.

The LV5490 is waveform monitor supporting the full range of standard video production and transmission resolutions from 525 and 625 standard definition up to 3840 x 2160 and 4096 x 2160 4K ultra-high definition. It incorporates a 1920 x 1080 9 inch LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle and high quality colorimetry. This allows simultaneous analysis of up to four video channels. Equipped with eight input connectors, the LV 5490 accepts up to two 4K signals simultaneously. In the 4K video format mode, 3G-SDI dual link or quad link is supported. Up to four 3G-SDI dual link 4K video inputs or up to two 3G-SDI quad link 4K video inputs can be selected for display, or two sets of HD-SDI dual link signals. In the SDI mode, up to four signals can be displayed simultaneously. The LV 5490 also accepts video signals via two-sample interleave as well as square division. Two-sample interleave is the approved standard for 4K.

The LV5350 waveform monitor incorporates all the SDI facilities of the top-of-the-range LV5600 and LV7600 minus the IP measurement capabilities which are currently required by only a minority of production and post-production teams. These include engineering-related features such as test pattern generation, closed-caption monitoring, CIE colour chart, high dynamic range measurement, focus assist, customisable screen layout, tally interface, 4K/UHD operation and 12G-SDI interfaces. The LV5350 and LV7300 also incorporate Leader’s intuitive CINEZONE and CINELITE which are familiar to many camera crews, editors and colourists. A new focus detection algorithm enables the two instruments to sense edges across a very wide range of image contrast levels.

Compatible with over 20 HD-SDI/SD-SDI formats, Leader’s LV5333 is designed for deployment in studios or technical areas, or attached to a camera tripod. The integral 6.5 inch XGA TFT LCD screen can also be used to display video signal waveform, vectorscope or the video image. CINELITE, CINEZONE, histogram, gamma display, gamut and level error display functions are included as standard.

LV5333 features include cable length display, external timing display and field frequency deviation display. SDI-embedded audio can be extracted and two user-selectable audio channels sent as an AES/EBU stream to a BNC output. The levels of up to eight audio channels can be checked using on-screen bar displays. User-configurable multi-display combinations allow easy inspection of signal parameters. Full-screen displays can alternatively be selected to allow detailed review of specific elements.

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