NAB 2019: Sony's BRC-X400 PTZ Cameras Offers NDI|HX Option
Sony (Booth C11001) has expanded the 4K pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera range with the the BRC-X400, designed with cost-efficient content creation in mind. Extending production possibilities, the BRC-X400 supports IP and is equipped with NDI|HX capability through an optional license – a first in Sony’s PTZ camera line-up. When combined with other NDI-compatible hardware or software anywhere on the network, the NDI|HX option presents unprecedented flexibility in IP-based live production systems, according to Sony. Connection via a single IP cable ensures an efficient live production set-up including power supply, image output and camera controls. In addition, Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) and Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) are also supported through a future upgrade planned for early 2020.
“Sony has nearly two decades of experience in IP development within the broadcast industry,” says Hiroshi Kawano, president of Professional Products & Solutions Group, Sony Imaging Products & Solutions Inc. “We completed the system by SMPTE ST2110 standard in HD and 4K and remain committed to IP-based premium live production. The BRC series continues to lay the foundation for practical and cost-effective 4K robotic PTZ applications. Responding to our customers’ requests, the latest BRC-X400 supports NDI|HX for the first time. We are eager to support the expansion of the IP footprint in cost-efficient productions, and we look forward to working closely with NewTek in value-adding our offerings to customers.”
“This collaboration with Sony symbolizes a significant step for the industry,” says Dr. Andrew Cross, president and CTO of NewTek. “Sony is a clear leader in the global transition to IP-based technologies with a long history of building revolutionary broadcast systems. The world has moved to IP video and we are proud to be working with Sony to help make their latest PTZ camera BRC-X400 connect with the millions of NDI systems around the world. We believe that Sony can empower users to build more agile, flexible and affordable systems that provide live productions with more freedom with its simpler connectivity and hassle-free operation.”
The BRC-X400 realizes high picture quality effortlessly, thanks to the highly sensitive Exmor R
The Sony BCR-X400 PTZ camera has NDI capability.
CMOS image sensor. The newly developed sensor achieves natural color reproduction and delivers 4K/30p with minimal noise. The built-in, high-resolution 4K lens accommodates wide-angle shots up to 70 degrees and is equipped with 30x zoom capability in 4K utilizing Sony’s Clear Image Zoom feature. Users can operate the 80x zoom capability in Full High Definition (FHD) with Tele Convert Mode. Horizontal resolution of 1700 TV lines in 4K and 1000 or higher TV lines in Full High Definition capture details of the image.
Allowing for seamless switching during live events and reality shows, the BRC-X400 comes equipped with broadcast-friendly features such as tally lamps and genlock support. A new feature, Scene File, which is planned to be available through a future upgrade in early 2020, will allow users to apply the same operating menu from one camera to others for fast set-up.
This latest addition to the BRC series can be integrated into existing broadcast system workflows easily thanks to its range of camera control protocols support. This includes 700 Protocol for Sony’s broadcast cameras, CGI as well as VISCA / VISCA over IP. In addition, the BRC-X400 is planned to be compatible with Sony’s first AI-based video analytic solution, REA-C1000. With the REA-C1000, a chroma key-less CG overlay feature can extract the presenter and place them on any background without the need for a dedicated backscreen or special training.
The BRC-X400 is planned to be available by the end of 2019. The PTZ camera will come in both black and white.