Sony Offers New Options to Sports-Video Producers on a Budget

Sports-content creators battling tight budgets have some new options, courtesy of Sony’s introduction of an HD/SD multicore camera system, two production switchers, and an LCD monitor.

The camera features three ⅔-in. Exmor Full HD CMOS sensors and includes wide-band downconverter and selectable resolution. It can also be connected to a new RCP-1000 CCU to deliver either HD or SD over Sony’s standard multicore cable.

The camera can output 4xSDI and HDMI to a monitor as well as component, VBS, and S-video. Among the inputs are prompter, 2x return, tally, intercom, and more. Other functions include a 2x digital extender, auto focus, and two-channel audio. Image controls include 4x hyper gamma and 7x standard gamma curve, skin-tone detail, saturation and low-key saturation, knee saturation, and lens-aberration correction.

Complementing the camera will be two multiformat compact switchers. The first, currently called the AV mixer, offers a six-channel audio mixer, 1 M/E, one key, and one-channel digital mix effects. It also has eight inputs and four outputs, a multiviewer output, and the ability to import still images via a USB port. A 3D mode provides L/R link cut, mix, and side-by-side output.

The second switcher, the DFS900M, is a little larger, with up to 24 in and 12 out in 3RU. It provides 1 or 1.5 mix effects and a four-channel keyer with chroma key and up to six channels of DME and a two channel multiviewer. In 3D mode, it can handle up to 12 3D camera rigs and two channels of 3D key capabilities.

And the company’s new 15-in. entry-grade professional LCD monitor has 10-bit signal processing, gamma selection, scan selection, and HD-SDI inputs available.