Sony used its NAB press conference to announce new 4K live camera system, the HDC-5500.
The HDC-5500 is a new multi-format live camera capable of direct 4K signal output in 12G-SDI. It has the world’s first 2/3-inch 4K global shutter with three CMOS sensors. Also optional software will be available, offering high frame rates up to 4K 2x and HD 8x.
Launching alongside the HDC-5500 is the HDCU-5500, a half rack sized new Camera Control Unit (CCU) used in conjunction with the HDC-5500. This CCU provides both 12G-SDI, 4K and IP interfaces, SMPTE ST 2110 and NMOS IS-04/05 through optional hardware.
The HDC-5500 camera system produces a 4K signal directly from its 12G-SDI output. By adding the HKC-WL50, an optional wireless side panel, the HDC-5500 can operate as a wireless camera as well as being used in conjunction with a camera stabiliser.
Using newly-developed signal processing technology between the camera and CCU, the Ultra High Bitrate (UHB) transmission enables the broadcast of two camera signals simultaneously by a single fibre cable without a baseband processor unit. The combination of both units offers UHB transmission which transmits 2 channels of 4K signals at a time. The 4K TRUNK feature transmits two sources from HDC-5500 to CCU; one source from the “host” HDC-5500 itself and a second camera connected to the HDC-5500’s 12G-SDI input. In addition, input from the 4K PROMPTER is transmitted from the HDCU-5500 to camera head also using the UHB transmission.
The HDC-5500 can accommodate an interchangeable side panel which can ensure backward compatibility with current HD camera control units, such as the HDCU-2500/3100 series.
“The HDC-5500 provides industry-leading flexibility for live production,” said Rob Willox, Director of Marketing, Sony Electronics. “We’ve listened carefully to the requirements of this rapidly-evolving market and have provided new capabilities for today’s 3G systems, and tomorrow’s IP-based and HDR requirements. We’ve elegantly addressed production needs such as 4K, HDR, HFR, IP, digital triax and wireless, and are providing our customers with a flexible and cost-effective way to upgrade their current systems to a specialised toolset. Our continuous endeavour to enhance our HDC series is to enable our customers to reach even higher levels of creativity and efficiency.”
Staff Reporter
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