Signs of affordable 4K infrastructure are already appearing on the market
TVBEurope 31 IBC Wrap-Up Satcom technology is IBC hit By Melanie Dayasena-Lowe
Quantel’s SynthIA compares incoming video from stereo-paired cameras and calculates the relative depth of the various image components
introduced Ki Pro Quad, a new solid-state portable video recorder capable of capturing edit-ready files in formats including 4K (4096x2160), Quad HD (3840x2160), 2K (2048x 1080), and HD (1920x1080) with 10-bit 4:4:4 and 10-bit 4:2:2 colour support. The recorder accepts RAW camera output via SDI, simultaneously forwarding the data via Thunderbolt. Internal debayer processing allows the RAW data to be used to produce Apple ProRes recordings on SSD media. One question hanging over 4K
was whether it is likely to be eclipsed sooner rather than later by 8K (7680x4320) Super Hi-Vision. Tokyo-based NHK, which initiated the transition from standard definition into high definition back in 1979, has its focus uncompromisingly on 8K and described the development of a realtime video codec. This was used to compress an 8K feed to 280mbps, converted to an IP stream and then transmitted from London to reception points in Britain, the US and Japan. “No errors were detected by the equipment and no noise occurred in the decoded images,” said NHK. “This experiment demonstrated that it is possible to transmit SHV signals with a large amount of data to many reception points in realtime. The success of this international transmission experiment is a further step toward achieving SHV broadcasting scheduled for 2020.”
Which device? Second-screen products and services were evident on many IBC stands in response to the huge popularity of tablet computers and smartphones. NDS addressed the potential of tileable television display in an IBC conference paper. This described a potential way of integrating multiple image sources into a unified video experience with more panache than the conventional box-in-a-box layout. This would allow television audiences to interact with a single large display rather than having to
rely on auxiliary electronic gadgets and their unreliable batteries. Tablet computers and smartphones are also being used increasingly for device control in broadcast production, held back only by the ease with which an operator can accidentally touch the wrong button. Cloudbass Managing Director Steven Knee presented a paper on the use of smartphone-based media asset management, successfully tested during coverage by ITV Sport of the British Touring Car Championship. Channel in a Box playout systems are becoming increasingly abundant, notably the new Versio from Harris which combines baseband video, channel branding and graphics, and automated workflow capabilities in a software-based single-rack-unit device. A buyer for Harris Broadcast itself was not announced at the show as the sell-off [at presstime] is still in progress.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS equipment manufacturer and systems integrator Hiltron has reported strong interest in cost- efficient satcom technology. “Our exhibit at the recent
broadcast show in Amsterdam generated more customer enquiries than any other single event we have ever attended,” stated Hiltron’s Managing Director, Michael Schiestl. “These included potential sales leads from broadcast and telecommunication service-providers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Hiltron H-MAM motorised satellite antenna mount and our capabilities as a satcom systems integrator both generated a lot of interest. H-MAM offers substantial savings in the cost of satellite-based links. It is a field- proven design operating successfully in mobile and fixed- location installations. It is ideal for broadcasters requiring accurate, stable and reliable reception of digital satellite feeds for live feeds such as news, stage events and sports. H-MAM delivers the precision formerly associated with much more expensive satellite antenna mounts and is very fast,
moving through 180˚ of arc within one minute.” Hiltron’s HMAM motorised
satellite antenna mount is designed for bidirectional VSAT communication or receive-only downlink applications. The combined head and drive form a three-axis motorised system with 180˚ of azimuth adjustment, 90˚
satellite auto-acquisition. It is compatible with all leading motorised satellite newsgathering antennas. The HSACU is designed for integration into SNG trucks or for refurbishment of existing SNG antenna control systems. It provides easy and efficient control of three-axis motorised antennas up to
Hiltron Sales Assistant Susanne Reichmann with the H-MAM motorised satellite antenna mount on Hiltron’s exhibition stand
of elevation adjustment range and fully adjustable polarisation. It includes professional-grade drives for azimuth and elevation plus a high-accuracy polarisation drive and is fully compatible with Hiltron’s standard HACU antenna positioning system. Also exhibited at the show, the Hiltron HSACU satellite newsgathering controller incorporates fully automated
2.4m in diameter. Azimuth, elevation and polarisation control are performed entirely in software. Local control is achieved via front-panel push buttons and a colour touch- panel graphic display. In IP remote control mode, the entire system can be operated from wherever is convenient to the SNG workflow. www.hiltron.de