Azule Predicts 'Year Of 4K'

Ahead of this year’s BVE, Azule forecasts the technologies that will drive investment in 2013 and those products on top of visitors’ hit lists
Specialist media and broadcast finance company Azule Finance has today revealed its predictions for the broadcast market in 2013, with 4K firmly on the agenda. Technological developments and announcements from the likes of Sony and RED in 2012 combined with incoming tax breaks for high-end drama, VFX and animation makes investment in 4K kit an affordable and attractive proposition for production companies and rental houses.
4K penetration
Peter Savage, Managing Director of Azule Finance, said: "4K was one of the biggest talking points of 2012. While manufacturers like Sony brought out the F-Series 4K cameras aimed at the broadcast market and trialled live satellite broadcasts at IBC, it will be the latest products from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that will alert the professional broadcast market, as 4K in the home becomes more of a reality.
"More affordable 4K or Ultra-HD screens for the home and Sony’s announcement of a consumer 4K delivery service scheduled for the summer suggests that 2013 is starting where 2012 left off, and Sony’s F5 and F55 will be at the top of lots of visitors’ lists this year."
Hire investment – from top to bottom
"We are expecting investment from hire companies to come at both ends of the market with high end cameras like the F-series expected to do well at the same time as more affordable, broadcast-spec cameras from Sony and Canon like the PMW-200.
"What’s really interesting about this year’s show is that it comes ahead of scheduled tax breaks to benefit the UK high end drama market and after the increase in capital allowances meaning that companies can claim back tax up to £250,000, encouraging hire companies, production and post-production companies to invest."
Azule will be exhibiting at this year’s BVE on stand G22. Visitors will be able to meet with the team to discuss their financing needs throughout the three day event.
Azule Finance is a leading expert in finance, leasing and business management solutions, across a wide variety of sectors including, media and broadcast, entertainment, leisure, retail and IT.
Azule Finance consists of three divisions, which specialise in Asset Finance, Export Finance and Business Consultancy. Established in 2004, Azule brokers competitive finance deals in both UK and foreign markets.
www.azule.co.uk