4K

As ATSC marked its 40^th anniversary at last week’s conference, conversations resoundingly turned to alternative uses for the NextGen TV spectrum including datacasting and PNT applications.

Broadcasters’ demands on cameras are increasing, from asking for IP readiness to standards flexibility and better control in multicamera environments. Vendors are answering the call. Pictured: Sony’s CNA-2 camera control network adapter.

Most of ATSC 3.0’s audio delay in the U.S. is attributable to the same factors that have held back the rollout of UHD content: there is still a small base of NextGen TV-capable sets; the distribution chain from networks to stations is not fully ready for new formats; and broadcasters are somewhat hamstrung in experimenting with their 3.0 content because of FCC rules that require them to effectively simulcast their 1.0 programming. But despite that, progress is being made.

The 4K revolution appears to have stalled out. According to high-profile streaming technology analyst Dan Rayburn, an executive at an ISP he spoke to said that less than 10% of digital bits transmitted over the company’s network are related to 4K/Ultra High Definition video — roughly flat with 2021. Meanwhile, an also-unnamed official for an OTT service provider said that less than 2% of the company’s streaming time to customers was for 4K/UHD video.

Sinclair Broadcast Group thinks it has found a cost-effective solution in conversion technology that can take standard-dynamic range (SDR) content and transform it to high-dynamic range (HDR) content in real-time, a technology it demonstrated at last month’s NAB Show.

Whether offered as a standalone unit or combined with other components of the broadcast workflow, multiviewers are tackling a mix of formats and a higher volume of content to monitor. Above, Studio Berlin uses the Apantac KVM over IP solution for its multiviewers.

Charter Communications and Comcast on Wednesday announced a 50/50 joint venture to develop a streaming platform on branded 4K streaming devices and smart TVs. Comcast will license Flex, the company’s aggregated streaming platform and hardware to the new joint venture, contribute the retail business for XClass TVs as well as Xumo, a streaming service acquired in 2020. Charter will make an initial contribution of $900 million, funded over multiple years.

Station groups lag behind larger networks in investing in new IP routing systems despite interoperability hurdles being overcome and IP gear prices falling. But the new infrastructure may end up being more horsepower than they need. Above, a control room at NBCUniversal’s Boston Media Center in Needham, Mass. The facility handles four businesses in the market — WBTS (NBC), WNEU (Telemundo), New England Cable News and NBC Sports Boston — on one common IP-based technology platform.

Broadcasters are insisting on more from their cameras, from the ability to capture more cinematic-style video with shallow depth of field to 4K, UHD and HDR capabilities, remote PTZ abilities and ever-smaller sizes. Above, a JVC camcorder being used on location for Idol Chat, which premiered on Retro TV and The Family Channel.

In a post-Volicon era, monitoring and compliance tools have gone beyond just making sure content meets regulatory requirements, moving into new broadcast environments and rolling out features designed to ease workflows. Above: Vela’s Encompass product showing both channel and transport stream analysis to help ensure quality of service.

David Mazza, SVP and CTO of NBC Sports Group and NBC Olympics, gives an exclusive look at how the network will navigate COVID restrictions while delivering 1080p HDR and 4K coverage for the first time and the pivotal role distributed workflows will play. Note: This story is available to TVNewsCheck Premium members only. If you would like to upgrade your free TVNewsCheck membership to Premium now, you can visit your Member Home Page, available when you log in at the very top right corner of the site or in the Stay Connected Box that appears in the right column of virtually every page on the site. If you don’t see Member Home, you will need to click Log In or Subscribe.

Broadcasters are warming to using robotics for remote camera operations, having seen crucial improvements in camera movement, better object and face tracking, new movement patterns and stronger overall automation. Above, a camera operator stands behind Ross Video’s remote panbar system, capturing the action on the field at a college baseball game.

WSYR, WTVH and WSTM are now broadcasting with ATSC 3.0 technology.

Networks, mobile truck companies and tech vendors agree the pandemic will impact HDR and UHD production through this year through a combination of equipment availability, complex new remote workflows and financial constraints.