BVE 2016: Ikegami Unveils Unicam UHD 4K-native Camera in UK

Ikegami has chosen BVE 2016 as the venue for the first UK demonstration of its new Unicam UHD 4K-native camera to encourage feedback from potential customers. Also making their UK exhibition debut will be the Ikegami BS-98/CCU-980 hybrid 2K/4K rack-mountable optical-fibre transmission links and HDL-57 compact high-definition camera.

Unicam UHD 4K-native ultra-high-definition camera
“The Unicam UHD 4K-native camera is a compact and light-weight model designed for easy integration into 4K studio and 4K field/OB truck systems,” comments Mark Capstick, General Manager of Ikegami Electronics UK. “It incorporates three 2/3-inch CMOS sensors which provide the deep focus capability required for broadcast operation, combined with ultra high quality color reproduction. Uncompressed RGB 4:4:4 baseband is delivered from the camera head to the control unit to ensure the highest possible transmission quality. Ergonomic and operational features are the same as a conventional Ikegami Unicam HD camera. A 2/3-inch B4-mount allows direct docking with conventional lenses plus a focus-assist function.”

HDL-57 compact high-definition camera
The HDL-57 is a compact high-definition camera designed for use on remotely controlled pan/tilt heads in applications such as parliamentary television or robotic studios. It can also be deployed wherever a high-grade fixed-position compact camera is required for intercutting with the output from full-size studio cameras. Camera head and controller are housed in a single robust rectangular unit measuring 90 x 103 x 180 mm (width x depth x height) and weighing 1.5 kg. The HDL-57 can be operated remotely or via its rear control panel.

Three advanced 2.5 megapixel 2/3 inch CMOS sensors are employed to deliver wide dynamic range and, in principle, no smear. Each sensor incorporates active processing circuitry and delivers a digital output to the camera’s digital signal processor, all in a very small device with low power consumption. The sensors are equipped with native progressive and interlace modes. 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, and 1080/23.98p are available from the camera head. 1080/23.98p output is available as an option.

Full digital processing is employed within the HDL-57, from imagers to HD-SDI output, delivering high signal integrity and high picture quality as well as stable and reliable operation.  Master gain is processed through a high-grade low-noise amplifier with negative feedback. Video noise cancellation circuits deliver images of wide dynamic range even at high gain level. Specified performance parameters include F11 at 2,000 lux sensitivity, 60 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 1,000 television lines resolution in 1080i format (700 TVL in 720p format).

Among the operating features of the HDL-57 are six-position switchable gain (0 to +30 dB), six electric shutter speeds (1/100 to 1/2,000 second), four-position optical filter (100, 25, 6.2 and 1.6 per cent) and a two-position electronic color correction filter (3,200 and 5,600 K). The optical filter wheel is motorized and can be operated from Ikegami remote control panels such as the RM-50B and OCP-300.  Using these filters in combination, the camera can handle a very wide range of lighting conditions. Auto-white-balance mode is available to cover the full range of color temperatures.

The Ikegami HDL-57 operates on 12 volt DC power (11 to 16 volts), consuming 18 watts or less. It delivers two HD-SDI outputs and has a reference signal input accepting tri-level HD sync.

BS-98/CCU-980 hybrid 2K/4K rack-mountable optical-fiber transmission links
Ikegami’s BS-98/CCU-980 hybrid 2K/4K rack-mountable optical-fiber transmission links will make their first BVE show appearance. When used in combination with current Ikegami Unicam HD cameras, the BS-98/CCU-980 can deliver HD and 4K processed UHD signals simultaneously. This allows users to employ their existing HD cameras and accessories, including lenses, for 4K productions as economical bridge equipment until they are confident that 4K viewing will become popular in the broadcast marketplace.