IBC 2017: Tektronix to demo production tools that to help content creators capture 4K/UHD, WCG, and HDR

New technologies such as 4K, Wide Color Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) allow video content creators to create stunning images and content for delivery to the home, but they also add considerable complexity to workflows. Tektronix unveiled a comprehensive set of production tools to help content creators minimize and manage this complexity at its source – the camera. The new solutions, available now, will be demonstrated at IBC 2017 (Stand 10.D41).

In live environments, there is often a mix of HDR (High Dynamic Range) and SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) cameras used. When using traditional waveform monitors to balance these cameras the different trace levels for the same luminance levels forces operators to do a lot of guess work as they try to balance the cameras. In studio or episodic production environments, there is a high cost associated with scene setup and luminance levels, therefore, Operators and DP’s (Director of Photography) need quick and consistent ways to set lighting using displays that provide measurements and levels that have a direct correlation to the relative light levels (Stops) rather than percentage scales available in traditional waveform displays.  In addition, matching colors and skin tones across different color spaces (BT2020 and BT709) is challenging when producing content in multiple formats which means operators need familiar displays (such as BT709 Vector display) that enable them to make these checks quickly and accurately across color spaces.

“Multiple and still-evolving 4K, WCG, and HDR standards and formats put content creators in the position of having to deal with an array of confusing and complex requirements almost daily. And when errors happen, they can end up being costly and time consuming,” said Charlie Dunn, general manager, Video Product Line, Tektronix. “With our new comprehensive monitoring solution based on the PRISM platform, we are helping our customers confidently create high quality content with the latest technologies, giving them a competitive advantage and lowering costs and reducing risk.”

As a software-based platform, PRISM offers a range of options and field-installable upgrades for monitoring hybrid IP/SDI networks among many other applications. With the addition of the new 4K/WCG/HDR toolset, PRISM now becomes a comprehensive production solution specifically designed to address multi-format and multi-standard challenges. PRISM is the ideal HDR and WCG solution for camera acquisition in OB Vans and production studios. The new toolset includes:

• A Tektronix-patented Stop Waveform Display that allows operators to adjust camera exposure in a consistent manner without having to worry about the optical to electric transfer function (OETF) of a camera. It also allows cinematographers shooting episodic dramas to quickly create scene or subject lighting, saving production time and expense.
• An industry first vector display with a 3D look-up table (LUT) that allows the familiar BT.709 vector to be used to evaluate skin tones, match colors to familiar reference marks and determine the degree of color gamut compatibility for BT.709 conversion. Because operators can stay in their comfort zone even when working with different color systems, the vector display helps to create high quality content without error and reduces the learning curve.
• A combination of full, quad or vertical display modes that give operators extensive flexibility to view application displays optimally for their needs and thus maximize their efficiency.

Availability
Available in 3RU half-rack, 1RU full-rack and standalone configurations, the PRISM platform along with the new production toolset will be available at the end of September.