Government

High-Definition Visual Communications System Debuts

HD production meets the Internet with the NAB2006 debut of Sony's high-definition IP-based visual communications system for television production and high-end content creation.

The PCS-HG90 codec, combined with the optional PCSA-CHG90 pan-tilt-zoom camera, can transfer HD-resolution video and stereo audio over an IP network during on-air news interviews or in fixed camera applications like surveillance, weather or traffic reports.

The new system, which utilizes Sony's IPELA™ IP communications technology, also enables the sharing of high-quality content-live or taped-between location sets and production studios.

"The broadcast industry's shift to HD production combined with IP network technology's increasing quality and ease of use has created the perfect opportunity for high-definition collaborative communications," said Shige Morikawa, senior vice president of Sony Electronics' Business Solutions Division. "With this HD video communications solution, news organizations can quickly produce and air extremely high-quality content, and easily do live HD program insertion during newscasts. Episodic program production also benefits from HD video transfer, sharing digital dailies for faster approvals or even simultaneously reviewing footage in real time among multiple sites."

The Sony HD video communications system can also be used in a variety of applications beyond broadcast and content creation.

• Hospitals can connect multiple facilities allowing doctors to consult with colleagues or conduct virtual lectures and training seminars.
• Educational institutions can use the system's distance learning capabilities to link campuses and reach more students at one time. Organizations that require fast, collaborative review of documents and video footage can transmit high-resolution data and receive feedback in the same day, and government contractors can share product mock-ups or design comps among several locations for simultaneous review.

The PCS-HG90 codec supports the H.264 HD video protocol with compression of 1280 x 720 at 30P or 60P, and a network video transfer bandwidth of up to eight Mbps.

The codec and the 3-CCD PCSA-CHG90 optional camera both feature HD-SDI capability to enable full digital transmission from capture through final display. The system can also deliver MPEG-4 AAC stereo audio, with stereo echo canceling capabilities.

An internal multipoint control unit (MCU) supports communications connectivity among four sites with site name display and full-screen views possible in broadcast and voice activation modes.

The new HD visual communications system provides the professional connectivity options that many system integrators require - BNC for video and XLR for audio - and the codec can also be rack-mounted with optional side-rail brackets. System quality is supported through proprietary Sony technology, including Adaptive Forward Error Correction, Adaptive Rate Control and real-time Auto-Repeat-Request Functionality. S-video connectivity for standard-definition equipment and RGB connectivity for PCs are also available.

The PCSA-CHG90 camera offers HD-SDI capability and two VISCA™ camera control outputs are also available on the codec. Remote control is possible through a web-based interface and with the HG90 Remote Commander® Unit. Additional convenience is provided through Memory Stick™ media support for storing and loading set-up parameters, upgrading system software and installing optional software.

For additional security, future versions of the system are planned that will support 128-bit AES encryption, in compliance with the ITU-T H.235 standard to allow encrypted communication with other H.235 compliant systems. The PCS-HG90 codec and PCSA-CHG90 camera are expected to be available this spring at suggested list prices of $25,000 and $11,000, respectively.

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