Ikegami Experiences Continuing Advance To 4K-Native Broadcast Production

Ikegami rhas reported a sustained advance towards 2160p 4K-UHD as the globally preferred mastering format among television production companies creating content for linear broadcast transmission and online video-on-demand.

Responding to demand for robustly-built future-proof solutions with a long working life, Ikegami announced the new UHK-X600 multi-format portable camera. The UHK-X600 can be upgraded from HD to UHD via a license-key based option as or when required. Among other license-key based options is support for 2x, 3x and 4x high-frame-rate capture in HD plus optional 4K format (3840x2160/50p) delivering 2000 TVL resolution. Plug-in hardware-based options include a SMPTE ST 2110 compatible media-over-IP interface board and 12G outputs.

"Customers at every level from freelance producers up to large scale media networks are demanding safeguards against what looks like a relentless transition to ever higher mastering and delivery standards," said Alan Keil, Vice President and Director of Engineering at Ikegami Electronics (USA), Inc. "The license-key option provides the freedom to invest in solutions that most exactly match your current business model without risk of losing a production contract because your equipment is not future proof. 4K-UHD is the logical format for high-budget mastering especially in the USA where ATSC 3.0 offers a potential route for terrestrial and satellite-based 2160p direct-to-home transmission."

"The license-key option adding high-frame-rate video capture is another big advantage when and where needed for slow-mo sports, wildlife documentaries and the like," added Gisbert Hochguertel, Ikegami Europe Product Specialist. "HDR is meanwhile becoming increasingly popular among video streaming services such as Apple TV Plus, Netflix and Prime Video. Given that almost every TV set sold today is UHD-HDR compatible, a growing number of terrestrial and satellite broadcasters now offer HDR content via their online channels. The UHK-X600 comes with Hybrid Log Gamma as standard including the ability to select between BT.2020 and BT.709 colour spaces. Global shutter imagers minimise artifacts when televising LED screen walls or flash/strobe illuminated stage environments."

The latest extension to Ikegami’s Unicam XE product line up, the UHK-X600 is designed for use in studio or OB applications as well allowing battery-powered over-the-shoulder location production. Incorporating three 2/3-inch CMOS global shutter imagers, it delivers 1000 TVL resolution, minimal aliasing plus a high sensitivity of F11 @ 2000 lux (in 50p mode). Measuring a compact 34 x 24.5 x 15.5 cm (13.4 x 9.6 x 6 inches) and weighing only 5 kg (just over 11 pounds), the UHK-X600 accepts all B4 ENG/EFP-lenses and supports chromatic aberration correction, vignetting correction, ramping compensation and remote control of backfocus when the latter is also supported by the lens. When combined with Ikegami BSX-100 or CCU-X100 control units, the camera optionally supports simultaneous output in UHD and HD video formats.

Ikegami’s UHK-X700 includes the same features as the UHK-X600 plus UHD-frame rate (3840x2160@50p, 59.94p) operation as a standard feature. If required, the UHK-X700 can also operate in 4K/UHD 2x speed or in Full HD format at up to 8x speed.

Among UHK-X700 4K-UHD camera sales highlights during 2023 were system purchases by CERTV, State Radio & Television Corporation of the Dominican Republic, for use in a variety of production roles on the corporation's Radio Televisión Dominicana channel, RTVD 4. Each UHK-X700 communicates via hybrid SMPTE fiber camera cable from the main RTVD 4 studio floor to an Ikegami BSX-100 UHD/HD multi-format base station located in the production control gallery. "UHK-X700 cameras were chosen based on the reputation of Ikegami equipment for high signal quality, durability and excellent post sale support," commented Luis Aquino, CERTV's Director of TV and Radio Technology. "This investment forms part of RTVD 4's gradual transition to HD program production and digital transmission."

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