CTM Solutions

Sony étend sa gamme de produits XDCAM HD 422 50 Mb avec un nouveau Camescope PDW-F800 et un VTR PDW-1600 en 24p. Ce matériel sera disponible au mois de Juin auprès de CTM Solutions. A lire le communiqué de presse complet de Sony en Anglais + info produits complétes :

Sony expands XDCAM HD422 series with new camcorder and deck :

New features include ‘under’ and ‘over-cranking’, 24P capability, standard-definition recording and linear editing

Sony’s newest additions to the XDCAM® HD422 Series of optical disc products deliver enhanced flexibility for motion picture and TV episodic production, and for ENG/EFP applications.

The new PDW-F800 CineAlta® camcorder and PDW-F1600 deck expand the capabilities of the MPEG HD422 codec, with both offering a frame rate of 23.98P natively in 1080 mode and multi-format recording flexibility as standard – including standard-definition recording to support legacy formats (MPEG IMX®, DVCAM™ and 4:2:0 HD content). They also provide multi-format (1080i/720P) recording, as well as HD/SD conversion and cross-conversion during playback between 1080i and 720P.

Users can record HD content (approximately 95 minutes at 50 Mbps) to the dual-layer 50GB version of Sony’s optical Professional Disc™ media, model PFD50DLA. The camera and deck can also handle content on PFD-23A single layer discs.

The new PDW-F800 CineAlta® camcorder :


“The HD422 version of XDCAM technology responded to customers’ requests for features like 50Mbps recording and 2/3-inch CCDs,” said Wayne Zuchowski, group marketing manager for XDCAM products at Sony Electronics. “These newest products offer cinematographers, broadcasters and video professionals an expanded toolkit of digital production options.”

The PDW-F800 adds variable frame rate recording for slow and quick motion capabilities, also commonly known as “over-cranking” and “under-cranking.” This is a critical feature for cinematographers and directors of photography who need the flexibility of changing frame rates to create unique “looks” for their productions or to create special effects. The ability to shoot at slower or faster frame rates than playback delivers high-quality motion effects. These effects can be played back and viewed in the camera so any creative adjustments can be made immediately on site.

The camcorder uses three of Sony’s new 2/3-inch Power HAD™ FX progressive CCDs that can produce a resolution of 1920 by 1080 effective pixels, delivering high quality, four-channel 24-bit audio recording.

An image inverter feature enables the camera to be used with cinema lens adaptors, and a variety of gamma settings includes HyperGamma and user-selectable gamma curves. A focus assist bar-graph display is visible on the camera’s viewfinder, and users can record proxy data to USB removable media to make transferring data easier and faster, especially in the field or on location between the camera and a PC or editing system, for example.

The new camcorder also features auto tracing white balance, output markers such as safety, aspect, and center on the HD-SDI output, slow shutter, interval recording, picture cache recording (up to 30 seconds), disc exchange cache and “shock-less” gain control. Option boards are available to enable pool-feed operation.

The camcorder features a 2x digital extender to enhance zoom capabilities, enabling images to be doubled in size without any loss of image sensitivity. It also has slow shutter, 2x focus magnification, clean switching between the “live and playback” function, and a large, easy-to-view 3.5 inch (viewable area, measured diagonally) color LCD screen.

PDW-F1600 XDCAM HD422 recording deck :

The PDW-F1600 XDCAM HD422 recording deck builds upon the features of the PDW-HD1500 model and can be used for file-based recording in studio and field operations. A Gigabit Ethernet data drive can write any flash memory file format from any codec onto the optical disc media, and files can then be previewed using a web browser, transferred over IT networks and easily archived and accessed by multiple people simultaneously.

The new deck adds an insert/assemble editing capability that allows it to operate as a recorder in a linear editing system – just like a conventional VTR.

It delivers high-quality, industry-leading eight-channel, 24-bit audio recording, and has a dual optical pick-up for higher-speed file transfer. A 4.3-inch (viewable area measured diagonally) color LCD display and built-in speakers are incorporated, and the unit can be battery-operated or used with AC and DC power sources.

The PDW-F800 camcorder and PDW-F1600 deck are both expected to be available in June.

Launched at NAB 2009, the PDW-F800 XDCAM HD422 Camcorder builds on the phenomenally successful PDW-700, adding in new capabilities and features with the aim of creating the most fully featured tapeless camcorder on the market.

“We’re looking from the operator/cinematographer point-of-view,” explains Richard Brooking, Sony Professional Europe's XDCAM product manager and a former cameraman himself. “We have listened to our customers about what their requirements are and also what their future requirements will be. How will they be making TV in five years’ time?”

New features such as film-style 24P progressive recording, Quick and Slow (over-crank and under-crank), Standard Definition Recording, User Gamma editing and Dual Optical Filters are designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of high-end users, from documentary-makers right up to cinema and TV drama producers.

XDCAM HD422's picture quality and advanced workflow had been proven with the launch of the PDW-700 in 2008. The development of the higher end, fully featured PDW-800 to sell alongside the 700 was driven thanks to extensive feedback from programme-makers in the field. “We’ve spoken to hire companies who are working for production companies used by broadcasters in the US Europe, and the Middle East and the camcorder is a perfect solution for them,” says Brooking.

“By listening to our customers we found out what new features they wanted and we could feed that back to Japan in order to make the camcorders even better,” he adds. “It is about a subtle move away from being “blinded by technology”, to focusing on the features and benefits we can offer our customers.”
Giving the customer what they want

Brooking was originally a cameraman working in Australia and South East Asia, where he was president of the Australian Cinematographers Society. . After basing himself in the UK, he then worked at broadcaster BSkyB in the UK for 13 years, before joining Sony in September 2008.

He has massive operational experience of how TV is made from a customer perspective and an excellent grip on what people want from the technology.

“When I started to shoot, all I had was black and white balance, a gain control and that was just about it,” he says. “Now we’re listening to the people using the equipment and offering them what they want – whether it is more choice of pre-sets, or a greater range of user-configurable menu options that are easy to understand, and quick to navigate to.”
User Gamma settings are easily uploaded using Memory Stick. User Gamma settings are easily uploaded using Memory Stick.

One of the features most demanded by potential F800 customers was User Gamma. The PDW-700 has HyperGamma, which gives four pre-set gamma settings, but the PDW-F800 goes a step further by allowing camera operators to set up their own gamma with a laptop, using CVP File Editor software originally developed for the Emmy Award-winning HDW-F900.

User Gamma means that in camera tests, for example, if the camera operators want particular gamma curves for their production, they can write back up to five User Gamma settings, in addition to four pre-set gammas.

“It’s all about having more control,” Brooking says. “The gamma allows you to have more creative control over the image, particularly in the shadow detail and colour rendition .”

In some ways, this feature mirrors the capabilities of film, he adds. “User Gamma is a feature giving camera operators more control of image they’re shooting. We’re moving back into the realm of traditional cinematography, where camera operators and DOP’s have much more control over what they do.

“Another feature we’ve developed from listening to customers is the dual optical filter wheel,” says Brooking. “The PDW-700 Camcorder has one filter wheel. With the PDW-F800, we’ve gone for two optical filters, one for control over neutral density and the other over colour temperature.

“When shooting inside under tungsten light, the image does not require any filtering. But if you take the camcorder outside, all the pictures look blue. Historically, what you do as a cameraman is add an orange 85 filter to correct the blue cast. We decided to do this electronically, but top cinematographers have asked us to bring the manual control back again. This is what the optical filter wheels do.

“The PDW-F800 is the highest model in the XDCAM range. It is bringing in high-end features. People with a cinematographic background will be looking for features like this.”

Over and under-cranking

The PDW-F800 has Slow and Quick recording as standard. So, when shooting a programme you can over-crank up to twice normal speed. In other words, when you’re playing back, you have recorded at half real time. This is an important feature for drama, sports, documentaries and natural history.

“The camcorder records time lapse as well,” Brooking says. “Right down to one frame every 24 hours. It also allows frame accumulation up to 16 frames, which is great for recording under starlight without having to turn the gain on. It means the shutter is open for 16 frames of time for each frame recorded. It gives you the option of creating very interesting fluid time lapse sequences. It is very much a cine or film effect. If someone walks through the frame, it gives a really nice motion blur.”
Multi-format support

The PDW-F800 is an international camcorder that can shoot a large number of formats, including interlace and progressive.

“Progressive shooting is a big creative decision,” says Brooking. “‘Do I want to shoot interlace or, if I’m doing drama, will progressive shooting give me more of the look I am after?’ This is where this camcorder comes into its own.”

The PDW-F800 has multi-format recording flexibility, from 1080i, 25P, 23.98P, 720, 4:2:2, 4:2:0, IMX at 50, 40 or 30Mb/s, DVCAM quality SD, or PAL and NTSC 4:3 or 16:9. “It allows you to record everything from PAL or NTSC SD all the way up to 1080i and film style 24P or 25P,” says Brooking. “It is a multi-format recording device, all as standard.”

Support for Standard Definition might seem surprising on such a high-end camcorder, but the advantage of this is, if you are using the camcorder for a non-broadcast application, you can essentially double the record time on each Professional Disc. If you record in SD, you have 190 minutes on every Professional Disc. So, the cost per minute of recording is small. It makes SD really cost effective and this kind of flexibility really appeals to many customers.
The image inverter makes it easy to use optical Primes The image inverter makes it easy to use optical Primes
Attention to detail

Customer feedback not only affected headline new features, but also a host of refinements that make a big difference in the way they work.

For example, the PDW-F800 has an image inverter, so camera operators can use two-thirds inch cinema lenses on the camcorder. It allows you to use Ultra Prime lenses and anamorphic lenses. Without the image inverter, the image would be upside down.

“Cinematographers are very attached to their Prime lenses. They give a beautiful image on any camera they’re put on to. The image inverter gives the end user access to their choice of optical Primes,” Brooking says.

Another new feature on the PDW-F800 is Focus Assist, which allows precise focusing.

When the viewfinder is switched on, a box is superimposed on the image. With anything in that box, the focus assist will provide a bar graph at the bottom of the viewfinder to indicate precisely how in-focus it is. As you pull focus, the bar chart moves to the right and at its sharpest point of focus, the bar chart is as long as it can be. As you pull through the focus, the bar chart shortens again. So it gives you a visual indicator as to what your focus is.

The PDW-F800 also has a range of marker indicators superimposed in the viewfinder showing the Safety, Aspect, 100%, User Box, SafeZone, Center, Skin Gate & Zebra. This is also available on the SDI output, so if you’re using a location monitor, the director can look at the output of the camcorder with these markers to see if the action is in the safe markers or not.
PDW-HD1500, PDW-HR1 Field Recorder, PDW-F800 The XDCAM HD422 line-up continues to grow.
Advanced AV/IT Workflow

While Sony worked hard to integrate all the features high-end customers demanded, one key advantage of the PDW-700 remained unchanged; the radical ease-of-use made possible by the proven and cost-effective XDCAM workflow. TV broadcast production is rapidly moving to file-based production for convenience in acquisition and in the production environment allowing material to be moved cost effectively and efficiently. XDCAM HD422 is designed to fit in as easily as possible, offering 4:2:2 picture quality at 50Mb/s but with familiar MPEG2 long GOP compression.

“With file-based acquisition, the file can be in multiple places at one time,” Brooking says. “While I grade, someone else can be doing an edit, someone else can be making a promo, someone else can be adding titles. It is allowing assets to be in more than one place at once. You can take an XDCAM Professional Disc and ingest into a file-based production system that can move the material around.

“Tape is great. It is very cost effective, but it can only be in one place at one time and you can’t go faster than real time. People want to use a file-based system because it can save them money because it is saving them time. XDCAM also uses proxy files which save time, network bandwidth and storage capacity.”

Professional Disc itself is an exceptionally robust and reliable format which can withstand climatic extremes, having been used in everything from below freezing to over 55 degrees C.

Brooking concludes, “XDCAM is a reliable, cost effective format to shoot on and with the PDW-F800, people have a creative tool to allow them to create great TV.”
PDW-F800 First shipments of the F800 are due in July.
Versatility & upgradability

“Many of the add-on options available for the PDW-700 come as standard with the PDW-F800 so it is a very versatile camcorder,” says Brooking, who also stresses that the 700 can itself be upgraded with many key F800 features via firmware or option board upgrades.

The arrival of the PDW-F800 as a fully featured partner to the more mass market PDW-700 strengthens the XDCAM HD422 line-up significantly. First shipments of the F800 are expected in July and demand is likely to be high, so registering your interest with a Sony Specialist Dealer as early as possible is recommended.

Sony's top-of-the-line XDCAM HD422 Series is being embraced around the world for its file-based recording capability utilizing high-capacity and highly reliable Professional Disc media. Thanks to its newly developed MPEG HD422 codec, the XDCAM HD422 Series provides high-quality video and audio recording capabilities, with an image resolution of 1920 x 1080 and eight-channel 24-bit uncompressed audio.

Now, Sony is proud to announce a new addition to the series - the PDW-F1600 deck. The PDW-F1600 offers multi-format recording flexibility as standard - including SD recording and a frame rate of 23.98P in 1080 mode.

The foundation of the PDW-F1600 deck incorporates the features of the PDW-HD1500, and acts as more than just a file-based recording deck. With its insert/assemble editing capability, it can be used as a recorder in a linear editing system - just like a conventional VTR.

Multi-format HD/SD Recording/Playback Capability

- HD recording at up to 50 Mb/s using MPEG HD422 (MPEG-2 4:2:2P@HL compression)
- Recording and playback in the MPEG HD format (MPEG-2 MP@HL compression)
- 1080i and 720P recording and playback
- Up/Down conversion and cross conversion between 1080i and 720P*
- Three types of picture output mode are supported for down-conversion: Edge crop, Squeeze and Letterbox (16:9/14:9/13:9)
High-quality eight-channel (HD-SDI) 24-bit audio recording

Handles both the dual-layer disc (PFD50DLA) and single-layer disc (PFD23A)

High-speed file transfer

- i.LINK File Access Mode (FAM)
- FTP via Gigabit Ethernet
RS-422 9-pin remote control interface, which the deck to be used as a feeder for linear editing

A wide variety of video and audio inputs and outputs, including two HD-SDI outputs

Compatible with XDCAM Carts: the PDJ-C1080 and the PDJ-A640

Compact and lightweight: half-rack size and 6.5 kg (14 lb 5 oz)

AC, DC or battery powered

Built-in audio speaker

Low power consumption: 65 W (typical) and 54W (in power save mode)

A large easy-to-see 4.3-inch* type color LCD display

Easy and intuitive search operation

- Thumbnail Search function
- Expand function
- Equipped with a Jog/Shuttle dial, providing VTR-like operation (Jog: -1 to +1 time normal speed, Variable: -2 to 2 times normal speed, Shuttle: ±20 times normal speed)
Clip Continuous REC function

Compatible with the HDCA-702 MPEG TS Adaptor

IT/Network Friendly

In the Sony XDCAM series of products, recordings are made as data files in the industry-standard MXF (Material eXchange Format) file format. This allows material to be handled with great flexibility in an IT-based environment - easily available for copying, transferring, sharing and archiving. All these operations are accomplished without the need for a digitizing process.

File-based data copying allows for degradation-free dubbing of AV content, which can be performed easily on a PC. The file-based recording system also allows for material to be viewed directly on a PC, simply by linking it to the XDCAM unit via an i.LINK connection. This works in just the same way as a PC reading files on an external drive.

The PDW-F1600 XDCAM HD422 deck comes equipped with IT-friendly, computer-based interfaces. These include an i.LINK interface supporting File Access Mode as standard, and the Ethernet interface.
Easy Maintenance and High Reliability

XDCAM HD422 products use the same platform as the XDCAM products in wide use around the world. They share the advantage of no mechanical contact between the equipment and the recording media, achieving both a high level of durability and a long media life. XDCAM HD422 products also offer the same high resistance to shock and vibration as other XDCAM products.
Powerful Nonlinear Recording

The XDCAM HD products use a large-capacity nonlinear optical disc for recording, called the Professional Disc media, which Sony has developed specifically for professional recording applications.

The PFD50DLA and PFD23A are 12-cm, reusable optical discs. The PFD50DLA is a dual-layer disc with an overwhelming capacity of 50 GB, while the PFD23A is a single-layer, 23-GB disc. The large capacity of the PFD50DLA makes it possible to record up to approximately 95 minutes of high-quality MPEG HD422 material.

The Professional Disc is highly reliable and durable because it experiences no mechanical contact during recording or playback, and is packaged into an extremely durable and dust-resistant disc cartridge.

Non-contact recording and playback also makes it an ideal medium for long-term storage of AV assets. Whereas traditional tape archive systems must be rewound on a periodic basis to remove magnetic powder debris, the Professional Disc completely eliminates this process.

Its reliability has already been demonstrated by the huge number of XDCAM products deployed worldwide since 2003.
Highly Streamlined Workflows

At the same time as recording its high-resolution video and audio data, the XDCAM HD products also record a low-resolution version of this AV data on the same disc. Called "Proxy Data", this is much smaller in size than the high-resolution data (1.5 Mb/s for video and 0.5 Mb/s for audio).

Because of its lower resolution, Proxy Data can be transferred to a standard PC at an amazingly high speed, and easily browsed and edited using the PDZ-1 Proxy Browsing Software (or other compatible editing software offered by many industry-leading manufacturers). What's more, with the PDZ-1 software, it can be converted to the popular ASF format for playback on Windows™ Media Player, providing dramatic improvements in production workflows. Proxy Data can also be viewed directly on a PC without data transfer using an i.LINK (File Access Mode) connection, and can even be sent over a standard Ethernet network.

The overall flexibility of Proxy Data means that it can be used for a variety of applications, such as immediate logging on location, off-line editing, daily rushes of shooting on location, client approvals, and more.
Metadata

All XDCAM HD422 products are capable of recording a variety of metadata, which provides a huge advantage when searching for specific data after an initial recording has been made. Information such as production dates, creator names and camera setup parameters can be saved, together with the AV material, on the same disc using the supplied PDZ-1 software. This makes it possible to organize and search through all recordings effectively. One particular metadata, called EssenceMark™ (Shot Mark), is a convenient reference that can be added to desired frames to make them easy to recall in subsequent editing processes. Clipflag* is another convenient metadata which users can add to their desired clips as "OK", "NG" or "Keep".

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