Sony’s compact HDC-P50 has a 4K sensor and licenses adapting it into diverse applications; the 16.5in 4K HX live production monitors combine deep blacks, HDR and 3,000 nit peak luminance
Sony’s new HDC-P50A is a compact, lightweight, multi-purpose camera with a 2/3-inch 3-chip 4K image sensor featuring global shutter operation. Due to its range of optional licenses, it can fit into many different applications.
This camera has features and performance that are similar to the existing multi-purpose camera, Sony's HDC-P50. But, using one of its optional licenses, as well as SDI outputs from the camera body, the new model supports IP transmission via SMPTE ST 2110 connectivity.
Once connected to a camera control unit – Sony’s HDCU-5000 or HDCU-5500 – users have many flexible options to shoot in environments where the camera is distant from the control room. Its small size and weight make it suitable for scenarios such as shooting from hard-to-reach positions, aerial shots from helicopters and capturing content with cranes or wire cams. It can be used for simple shooting with a remote pan-tilt unit, as well as capturing various angles at sports and other live events. It also comes with an optional variable ND filter unit, the HKC-VND50.
The HDC-P50A’s 2/3-inch 3-chip 4K image sensor and prism match the HDC-3500 and HDC-5500 cameras’ sensor, resulting in the same colour reproduction performance covering a wide colour gamut including BT.2020 and S-Gamut3, and make it straightforward to integrate the camera into existing systems.
HDC-P50A and Networked Live
With built-in IP transmission features, the HDC-P50A works as part of Sony's Networked Live ecosystem. It can be connected to the camera control network adapter CNA-2 to centralise monitoring, configuration and remote operations from anywhere on a multi-camera, multi-site live production network. CNA-2 has a dashboard that presents a clear overview and visualises network control.
According to Norbert Paquet, Head of Live Production, Sony Europe BV, demand for high-quality video production in events such as sports and live performances and similar events is growing, alongside the need for automation and IP compatibility in live production.
IP Workflows
With the optional license HZC-SFP5A, the HDC-P50A can output data directly into IP workflows using SMPTE ST 2110 connections, giving it the compatibility with AMWA NMOS of a stand-alone camera. It supports direct IP output without relying on further hardware and also IP Tally, making it suitable as a compact camera in IP-based studios. Also, by connecting to the IP camera extension adapter HDCE-TX50, or the HDCU-5000 or HDCU-5500 camera control units, the camera delivers IP input/output and high frame rate output, enabling slow-motion shooting at up to four times standard speed in 4K and up to eight times in HD.
The CCUs and IP extension adapters support long-distance connections of up to 10km using single-mode fibre, making it possible to use in shooting locations that are far away from the relay vehicle system, for example in golf broadcasts.
4K TRIMASTER HX MONITORS FOR LIVE PRODUCTION
The HDC-P50A will be shown at IBC 2024 in Amsterdam along with two new 16.5-inch 4K TRIMASTER HX shading monitors, BVM-HX1710 and BVM-HX1710N, for live production and critical image viewing and evaluation applications. The new models are built to combine accurate colour reproduction, deep blacks needed for shading, high dynamic range, a wide viewing angle, and a peak luminance of 3,000 nits. Availability is planned for mid-2025.
Like the HDC-P50A, the BVM-HX1710N features SMPTE 2110 IP support, which means this monitor is also compatible with the other Networked Live hardware. Both models include SDI and HDMI interfaces and use Sony dual-cell technology, which was developed for the BVM-HX3110 grading reference monitor.
The dual-cell system uses two bonded LCD layers, or cells – one for colour plus a grayscale layer positioned behind it for luminance – that together produce a lighting effect similar to using a huge number of controllable dimming zones. The result displays very deep black levels without interfering with brightness. The relative positions of the cells means the grayscale blocks light from pixels that should be darker, allowing the dimming zones to be precisely controlled.
“The new monitors can work alongside Sony's line of larger professional monitors, and have a similar user experience, panel and menu structure, allowing users to colour match their work to ensure consistency," said Claire Lam, marketing manager, Sony Europe. "Designed for live production, the BVM-HX1710 and BVM-HX1710N’s monitoring features are built into a standard 6U height suitable for rack mounting.
Real-time on board scopes
On-board and Optional Features
“They have a comprehensive, standard tool kit of on-board features, plus options for versatility, special requirements and future planning. As a result, they serve in shading workflows for OB trucks and studios, online editing, quality control on an EIA rack and video R&D."
Standard features of the new models include real-time onboard scopes, multi-screen modes, interlace and tetrahedral LUT processing. The optional enhancement tools are supplied via special licenses, which include a fast response license, and output licenses for HDR-SDR conversion, signal conversion and 3D LUTs. For the BVM-HX1710N, a JPEG XS decoder and a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) license are also available.
Supported colour spaces
An optional new monitor control unit for multi-monitor control, the BVMK-R10, is expected to be released in late 2024. It will have illuminated buttons and a small menu screen for use in trucks and studios. The unit can be attached below the BVM-HX1710 or 1710N monitor using a new stand kit, protection panel, mounting brackets and an extension cable, planned for mid-2025 release, which will help to integrate it with the monitors. A prototype of the new BVM-HX1710N monitor will be on display at IBC 2024 in Amsterdam, 13-16 September. pro.sony
