October 2017 CREATION 23
Shotoku Broadcast Systems raises the bar for robotic camera systems
Graphica , a new series of manual virtual and augmented reality ( VR / AR ) tracked camera cranes , has made its European debut for Shotoku Broadcast Systems at IBC2017 .
The result of a partnership between Shotoku and crane manufacturer CamMate , the Graphica series is equipped with the ability to calculate positional data output from embedded physical rotary encoders , which are designed specifically for VR applications . Other features of the Graphica include “ jitters-free ” operation , external markers and area limitations .
Calling Graphica a “ true set-and-forget ” system ,
Drago Flores , marketing coordinator for Shotoku Broadcast Systems , showed off the Graphica series of VR / AR tracked camera cranes at IBC2017 .
Sky NZ shoots rugby with Fujinon lenses
The recent Bledisloe Cup rugby match in Dunedin saw Sky New Zealand ’ s outside broadcasting division ( OSB ) add to and upgrade both their camera and lens fleet with the purchase of multiple new Fujinon lenses .
Nick Haines , technical manager at Sky New Zealand , explained : “ Sky has a long-term commitment to Fujinon products , so when we increased our fleet of Sony cameras with some new HDC-4300s , it was logical to return to Fujinon for their latest lens offerings .”
The lenses Sky New Zealand chose are the Fujinon XA77x9.5 BESM and HA23x7.6BERD lenses , which enhanced the “ top quality image ” Sky New Zealand was looking for from its new cameras . Haines continued : “ The fact that the new cameras are 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) - capable definitely showed up artifacts we had never been able to resolve before . It was quite enlightening to see the difference between the current lenses we had at our disposal and how much
better the new Fujinon lenses were .”
Designed for large venues and sporting events , the XA77x9.5 telephoto field lens is equipped with an optical stabilisation function , while its anti-fogging design minimises lens fogging and reduces downtime due to moisture . It also features a newly developed EBC coating to reduce ghosts and flare , and increase light transmission .
The HA23x7.6BERD is a Premier Series HD telephoto lens for news , sports and other applications requiring increased magnification . It provides a digital servo zoom
Sky New Zealand used Fujinon lenses to shoot a recent rugby match between Australia and New Zealand .
Shotoku has further enhanced users ’ operation with the SPi-Touch origin reset and two-point calibration function , features that add another level of convenience for end-users , said the company . Designed for all types of productions , Graphica is available in seven models varying in length to create dynamic camera works , from small studio productions to large outdoor sports events .
Another highlight from Shotoku is the Free-d ² Absolute Tracking System , which the company labels as a “ next-generation ” tracking system , as it eliminates the requirement of encoders being attached to the camera support ’ s moving axes .
Designed for VR / AR live studio production , the Free-d ² system features advanced video processing algorithms and ceiling markers to determine the position and orientation of the studio camera , thus providing “ accurate and consistent ” position tracking .
The manufacturer of robotic camera systems and camera support equipment also demonstrated new functionalities for the Enhanced ECI Automation Interface for its TR-XT control system , empowering operators to take instant control of their robotic cameras . The system provides an intuitive interface and supports automation through the External Control Interface ( ECI ), enabling users to quickly recall pre-set camera positions during the live broadcast .
In addition to pre-set shot recall functionality , the new Enhanced ECI also supports full joystick trim control to adjust and restore the pre-sets as necessary , either from the automation system or vision switcher panel . This added level of external control , according to Shotoku , delivers an additional layer of responsiveness .
The Enhanced ECI also provides an interface for facility management and control systems , allowing a TR-XT controller to be reconfigured remotely . For instance , cameras from alternative locations can be mapped to a particular panel during control room reconfiguration . and focus for full servo studio control , robotics , jibs , tower cams , teleconferencing and other applications where remote control of zoom , focus and iris via RS-232 serial data or traditional analogue control is desired .
Optional zero backlash gearing and 16-bit encoders are also available for robotics and virtual applications , and remote control of the 2X extender is possible with the optional model ECU-2A remote extender module .
Zeiss adds metadata technology into its CP . 3 XD lenses
Zeiss has expanded its portfolio of camera lenses with the introduction of the Zeiss Compact Prime CP . 3 and CP . 3 XD lenses . Ranging from 15mm to 135mm , the 10 focal lengths available in both lenses cover full frame from wide-angle to telephoto .
The Zeiss CP . 3 series features advanced lens coating , painted lens rims , and light traps within the barrel to eliminate undesirable veiling glare and flares . This , according to Zeiss , allows users to achieve higher contrast , richer blacks and more saturated colours while supporting high dynamic range ( HDR ) projects .
Particularly for CP . 3 XD , the fullframe cinematic lens is equipped with the Zeiss eXtended Data metadata technology to provide information about the lens ’ distortion and shading characteristics , thus improving on-set and postproduction workflows .
While on-set , the Zeiss eXtended Data enables cinema tographers to monitor lens settings and pre-visualise modified images , alongside new automated search functions . In post production , the metadata technology offers benefits such as image fine-tuning , editing and
Postium ’ s broadcast displays support multiple workflows
Established in 1999 , Seoul-based Postium Korea has been developing , engineering and manufacturing LCD rack monitors that are said to be widely used by some of the biggest broadcasting stations and OB vans worldwide . And no matter what format you are working in , Postium has a monitor for all your needs , said Poh Cheng Yong , VP , Sales Asia , Postium Asia , adding : “ We offer up to 30 models that cover from HD to 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) to high dynamic range ( HDR ) to IP .”
The OBM U Series 4K / UHD monitor , for instance , is Postium ’ s topof-the-range offering . It incorporates 12G-SDI input and loopout ( x2 ), 3G / HD-SDI inout and loopout ( x2 ), HDMI 2.0 input and SFP optical connector . The series also supports the display of HDR footage , and is equipped with a wide colour gamut conforming to DCI-P3 and most of the ITU-R BT . 2020 standard . Other features include an integrated 3D LUT , waveform , vector scope , colour space and gamma comparison .
Calling the Zeiss eXtended Data a communication tool between lenses and cameras , Dominik Schadewaldt , segment marketing , motion picture , camera lenses , Zeiss , said that the metadata technology is capable of managing lens information , thus enhancing workflow efficiencies during on-set and post production .
colour grading , visual effects , virtual and augmented reality ( VR / AR ), multi-cam live productions , projection and 3D imaging .
Zeiss eXtended Data is currently assigned to two data sets : key lens data — such as focal length , focus distance and iris position — based on open standards and supported by a wide range of cameras and accessories , as well as Zeiss specific lens data that contains information about distortion and sharing . Furthermore , the documentation of the lens ’ characteristics allows complex shots to be managed in post production .
Dominik Schadewaldt , segment marketing , motion picture , camera lenses , Zeiss , said : “ For instance , by using metadata , users are able to modify the image generated on the computer to fit the lens characteristics , and to then splice it together with the footage to create the image .”
In addition , Zeiss has developed a plug-in that enables users to use Zeiss eXtended Data in Blackmagic Design ’ s DaVinci Resolve video editing software . The software is available for download from Zeiss ’ website starting this month .
A screen for all your production needs : Poh Cheng Yong , VP , Sales Asia , Postium Asia , was at IBC2017 to demonstrate the capabilities of the company ’ s OBM U Series of 4K / UHD professional LCD monitors .