NAB 2016: Ikegami's Latest 4K Camera Set to Debut; Arri Demo Set to Intrigue

Ikegami will have a busy booth next week at NAB as the UHK-430 4K camera,  the first member of the new Unicam XE camera series from Ikegami, makes its debut. Designed for use in the studio and field, the company says the the UHK-430 provides Ikegami’s superb imagery in true 4K thanks to three 2/3-inch 4K (3840×2160) CMOS sensors with RGB prism optics, for “Real 4K” resolution from 24 million pixels (8 million per sensor).

The UHK-430 makes its NAB debut for Ikegami, bringing next-generation 4K production capabilities to the U.S. market.

Equipped with Ikegami’s new AXII ASIC for low power and new digital signal processing features, the UHK-430 attains 16-axis color correction from a 3D linear matrix. It also enables iLog, the Ikegami log transfer characteristic for HDR (high dynamic range). The UHK-430 is capable of 40G transmission using standard SMPTE hybrid fiber/copper camera cable, uncompressed 4:4:4 resolution RGB transmission, with eight HD channels from CCU to camera, and one HD trunk channel from camera to CCU. In addition, a Gigabit Ethernet connection is available on the Ikegami UHK-430 camera for external use. The UHK-430 is switchable between 4K and 2K formats.  As an option the CCU can output simultaneous 4K and 2K, with available 2K cutout from the 4K picture. A plug-in output module allows for flexible 4K signal formats including Quad 3G, 12G, and IP.

A number of accessories to enhance the UHK-430 and future Unicam XE camera models will a;sp be shown. The three accompanying viewfinders include the VFE741D, a 7.4-inch OLED viewfinder; the VFL701D, a 7-inch full HD resolution LCD viewfinder; and the VFL201D, a 2-inch portable LCD viewfinder. All three include a serial digital interface for integrated camera and viewfinder menu control. The SE-U430, a powerful system expander for the camera, will also be on exhibit at NAB 2016.

Ikegami, Arri Merge Broadcast, Cinema Worlds

A pioneering marriage of technology between two recognized industry leaders, Ikegami and ARRI, the HDK-97ARRI will be on display, presenting a broadcast-style production camera with digital cinema characteristics. The HDK-97ARRI makes it possible to employ a large format sensor in multiple camera operation, resulting in a “best of both worlds” image acquisition system ideal for use in multi-camera studio and field applications. Centered around ARRI’s Super 35mm CMOS sensor with its associated support circuitry, the system provides such cinematic qualities as shallow depth-of-focus, exceptional dynamic range, and progressive frame rates like 23.98p. Meanwhile, broadcast-grade distribution is enabled with the latest in Ikegami technology, via fiber transmission using up to 2 km SMPTE hybrid fiber/copper camera cable.

The HDK-95C HD portable digital camera is a highly flexible system in Ikegami’s Unicam HD line. Equipped with Native multi-format 2.5 million pixel, 2/3 inch CMOS sensors, the HDK-95C has an upgrade path to 24p and 3G formats, including 1080/60p and 4:4:4 24p. Providing end-to-end digital processing, it features a low-profile docking camera head for fiber, triax, or wireless applications.

More 4K Camera Options

The Ikegami HDK-97ARRI and HDK-95C are now 4K-ready. Both cameras benefit from the Super Resolution Converter integrated with Ikegami’s BS-98/CCU-980 Multi-format Base Stations.  The 4K Super Resolution Converter provides a simultaneous 4K output when the camera is operating in a 1080p format, such as 1080p/59.94Hz. Ultra HD band image enhancement is provided for the 4K signal.

 The HDK-65C is part of Ikegami’s Unicam HD line. Equipped with Native multi-format 2.5 million pixel, 2/3 inch CMOS sensors, the HDK-65C is available as a single-format system, and is software-upgradeable to additional HD formats. Providing end-to-end digital processing, it features a low-profile docking camera head for fiber, triax, or wireless applications.

The Ikegami HDK-55 is an affordable member of the Unicam HD camera series, and uses 1080i 2.3 mega-pixel AIT CCDs. Highlight features include Quick EZ Focus assist and chromatic aberration correction. Like the other portable cameras in the Unicam HD series, the HDK-55 is a compact low-profile camera head with docking adaptors for fiber or triax cable use. Compact light weight fiber and triax base stations, the BSF-55 and BST-55, are also available, providing overall economy to the HDK-55 and other camera models.

 The most recent addition to Ikegami’s Unicam HD product line, the HC-HD300 is a highly flexible, docking style camera that represents Ikegami’s most affordable HD studio camera system. Ready for the studio or field, it features a newly-developed 1/3-inch 3-CMOS optical block design, in keeping with the outstanding imagery and same rugged construction of the broadcast-ready Unicam HD line.    

 NAB attendees will get their first look at the MCP-300, Ikegami’s advanced Ethernet master control panel. Users will benefit from its 10-camera select capability, plus 10 groups of 10 for control of up to 100 cameras. The MCP-300 features a large seven inch color touchscreen, complete filing capability, plus optional HD SDI diagnostics output.

In addition, this year’s NAB will mark the debut of the Ikegami HDL-F3000, a high sensitivity compact two-piece separate optics camera for gyro-stabilized gimbal applications. Equipped with 2/3-inch 2.6 megapixel CMOS sensors, it achieves a minimum illumination of 0.007 lux, with image enhancement features that include haze removal, backlight comp, and digital zoom. The HDL-F3000 operates in 1080i, 720p, and 30p formats.

Embracing 8K

The SHK-810 8K ultra high-definition television (UHDTV) camera will be shown in Las Vegas. Developed in collaboration with Japan Broadcast Corporation (NHK), the SHK-810, is a breakthrough camera notable for the significant size reduction and lightweight design that it brings to field and live production, which can be operated in the same manner as current broadcast cameras.

The SHK-810 employs a 33 million pixel Super 35mm CMOS sensor with PL lens mount, achieving a limiting horizontal resolution of 4000 TV lines.  This portable camera utilizes standard SMPTE hybrid camera cable between head and CCU with available portable and studio viewfinders.  Pictures from the SHK-810 can be viewed on a prototype Ikegami designed 55-inch full 8K resolution LCD monitor.

New Ikegami Monitors

Two new Ikegami-designed 4K monitors will be introduced. The HQLM-3120W is a 31.1-inch broadcast quality monitor. It incorporates a 10-bit, LED backlit, UHD LCD panel with a contrast ratio of 1450:1. There are two 4K inputs, also 3G/HD SDI and HDMI input as standard.  Also on display will be a prototype alternate model with a special panel supporting HDR high dynamic range.

Ikegami monitors that will also be on display include the HLM-1751WR 17-inch HDTV/SDTV Multi-Format LCD Color Monitor, which employs a 17-inch Full HD LED backlight panel (1920×1080) with wide critical view angle, excellent brightness and contrast, fast response time, and faithful color reproduction. It supports Multi-format SDI input, as well as 3G-SDI, DVI-D and VBS inputs as standard. It is also a space-saving, lightweight design with low power consumption.

The HLM-1705WR 17-inch HDTV/SDTV Multi-Format LED Backlit Monitor employs a liquid crystal panel for reduction in thickness, weight and power consumption. It is designed for use in various spaces such as sub-control rooms, editing rooms, monitor wall, transmission control desks, and outside broadcast vans.