Sony announced a new set of HD live production solutions consisting of four new studio cameras, the HSC-300R/300RF and HSC-100R/100RF plus the MVS-3000A multi-format switcher, at IBC2013. The new additions build on the strengths of Sony’s existing HSC-300 and HXC-100 system cameras, incorporating the latest generation of 2/3-inch Power HAD FX CCDs for high quality image capture with minimal noise.
   

The HSC-300R/RF models are compatible with the HDLA series of large lens adapters and equipped with Neutral Density (ND) and Colour Correction (CC) dual optical servo-controlled filter wheels. This makes them ideal for customers who produce live broadcasts operated via outside broadcast (OB) vans. The HSC-100R/RF models are compatible with a portable lens and perfect for studio use. To better meet operational requirements across different venues, the new system cameras are equipped for digital triax (HSC-300R and HSC-100R) or optical fibre (HSC-300RF and HSC-100RF) transmissions. The MVS-3000A switcher supports Digital Multi Effects (DME) as well as a wide choice of control panel configurations and broadcast performance features as standard.

As customer demand for HD production continues to grow, so have the complexities of operational requirements across varying applications and environments. The HSC-300R/300RF, HSC-100R/100RF and MVS-3000A models are designed to be configured as part of a cost-effective HD live production system that addresses these complexities. Offering easy set-up, operation and economic price-performance, the system is ideal for small-to-mid sized broadcasting studios, production houses and OB vans.

“Flexibility is a core focus of this new range of live production solutions. It has been developed to combat the common constraints faced by customers, such as space limitations or different venue infrastructures. With options for digital triax or optical fibre, the new cameras also allow users to select the solution that works best for each specific production, ranging from large system configurations to a single camera operation. We’ve also managed to keep the solutions at very competitive prices – another concern for customers. We’ve designed these solutions with the customer in mind and are confident it will deliver maximum benefits,” said Norbert Paquet, Trade Marketing Manager, Live Production, 3D and 4K, Sony Europe.

HSC-300R/300RF and HSC-100R/100RF System Cameras

By applying unique Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology together with high performance 16-bit A/D converters, Sony has successfully achieved an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio of 60dB for the new HSC-300R/300RF and HSC-100R/100RF cameras.
In addition, the highly compact 1.5 RU-sized camera control units (CCUs) - HSCU-300R (digital triax transmission) and HSCU-300RF (optical fibre transmission) save space by fitting into standardised 19-inch rack mounts. The CCU features flexible interfaces containing selectable inputs/outputs between HD-SDI and/or SD-SDI, a front control panel (HKCU-FP2), a PC base control panel (HZC-RCP5) and compatible with multi-camera systems (MSU) via a software option. As with all Sony system camera updates, the Digital Triax models HSC-100R, HSC-300R and HSCU-300R offer full compatibility with previous models which have now reached sales of 2,500 units across Europe. In addition, all system camera peripherals are compatible with Sony’s studio camera range, giving the customer the opportunity to have a smooth upgrade path to the new generation of studio cameras.

MVS-3000A Multi-Format Switcher

Following the success of the MVS-3000 compact switcher, Sony has designed the MVS-3000A switcher with the same powerful capabilities as well as added features for greater flexibility in system configuration. It comes with sophisticated capabilities such as two mix effects (M/Es), four keyers per M/E, each with the MVS high-performance chromakey, 2.5D resizers, and colour correction among other capabilities. Features previously only available on Sony’s MVS-6500 series have been included, such as the use of the optional ICP-6511 menu panel. There is also a wide choice of control panels available to users of the MVS-3000A – in addition to the current ICP-3000 (24 XPT), the ICP-3016 (16 XPT) and ICP-6520 (24 XPT) control panels are also available for selection. This provides users with limited space in studios or OB vans greater flexibility in setting up their equipment according to their requirements. The MVS-3000A was also designed with new ready-to-use DMEs (3D), AUX MIX transition and easier operation of the menu panel.