Government

What's New At NAB: Government Highlights

Anycast Station Live Content Producer Goes HD
Sony is introducing a high-definition version of its Anycast Station™ system, which is already in use widely throughout the government as a portable "all-in-one" studio for live content creation. The new HD-only version of the system (model AWS-G500HD) retains the original multi-functionality of its standard-definition predecessor. It combines into one package the capability of a six-input video switcher and six-stereo channel audio mixer, special effects generator, LCD screen for GUI control and preview/program monitor, control of Sony PTZ robotic cameras, RGB connection for PC and projector display, and an encoder and Web server for delivering streaming media, as well as a still store, character generator, scale converter and frame synchronizer. What’s more, the new system comes preconfigured with an HD analog component interface module (BKAW-560) and an HD-SDI interface module (BKAW-590). The third interface module slot on the new version is left empty, giving users the option for adding specific boards based on their individual needs. This slot can be configured with any of the available SD system modules, as well as either of the two new HD boards. The HD-only AWS-G500HD model is now available at a suggested list price of $19,500.

Sony Redesigns LUMA LCD Pro Monitors
There's a new look to government video – and it's flat. Sony's popular LUMA™ line of professional LCD monitors are everywhere from n museums and public buildings, to command and control, to military and documentary remote and on-location production. At NAB Sony is debuting a line of thoroughly redesigned LUMA screens, featuring three new one-piece, widescreen models:

-- The LMD-2030W 20-inch display (viewable area, measured diagonally) is the first member of the LUMA family with HDMI input connectivity. It is designed for compatibility with HDV™ camcorders and decks in portable video production applications such as event videography or on-location shooting.

-- The LMD-2450W 24-inch and LMD-2050W 20-inch displays (viewable area, measured diagonally) can accept 1080/60P signals via a standard DVI input and feature 10-bit processing. They are designed for production and presentation purposes, by technical directors, producers and editors working in pro A/V, broadcast, post-production, event video production, mobile trucks, and rental houses. The LMD-2450W display delivers WUXGA, 1920 by 1200 resolution. The LMD-2050W and LMD-2030W both feature WSXGA+, 1680 by 1050 resolution.

The three new displays are expected to be available in May, with suggested list pricing still to be determined.

Next Generation of HD Studio Cameras Unveiled
Government broadcasters have been looking for a lower-cost entry into HD, especially for applications that do not require full, multi-format capabilities. In response, Sony is introducing a dual-format camera system, 1080i or 720p, model HDC-1400. A new color viewfinder, HDVF-C35W, is also being introduced and is compatible with the new camera, as well as with several existing Sony cameras. The new camera system operates in either 1080/59.94i or 720/59.94P mode. The system shares the vast majority of the image-making capabilities of the existing HDC-1500 system, including three-skin detail control, multi matrix color control and high-quality SD down conversion capability. The HDVF-C35W viewfinder has a 3.5-inch LCD screen (viewable area, measured diagonally) and is designed to give shooters a color viewing option in shoulder-mount applications. The HDC-1400 camera is expected to be available in May at a suggested list price of $65,000. The HDVF-C35W viewfinder is also expected to be available in June at a suggested list price of $8,000.

Sony Enhances Content Management Suite
For government production environments where video content is being shared among several users, Sony is introducing the HDXchange™ system, a networked IT-based hardware/software suite for managing standard- and high-definition content . The HDXchange system's software allows users throughout an agency to easily ingest, log, manage and use content on the system's shared storage. HDXchange system can be centrally accessed and monitored through a Web browser interface, allowing a single operator to troubleshoot and detect problems before they become critical issues. The HDXchange system can also be connected to remote monitoring fee-based services offered by Sony's Professional Services Group, so it can be fully managed, supported and kept up to date without interrupting daily operations. The HDXchange system allows content acquired on compatible formats or media to be ingested through an industry standard i.LINK® IEEE-1394 digital interface. The HDXchange suite will provide about 250 hours of video storage (at 25 Mbps HDV™, XDCAM® HD, or DVCAM™ rates) and automatically generates proxy files for network browsing, offline storyboarding and web applications. The system will support an optical disc workflow, as well as the workflow of typical DVCAM™ and HDV users. The system supports such standard formats and protocols as QuickTime®, MXF, AVI, MPEG2 and MPEG4. The HDXchange system is compatible with leading non-linear editing solutions including Sony Vegas®, Apple's Final Cut Pro® and others. The HDXchange system also includes embedded applications for network browsing, material ingest, video and edit decision list exchange for supported editors, as well as archiving options.