On The IBC Exhibit Floor: Panasonic

Panasonic | www.panasonic.com

Pathway To Live production — Under the slogan of Live. Sports. Entertainment. Panasonic demonstrated the latest line up of studio, ENG and remote camera systems alongside an expanded network of complementary third-party solutions, ranging from robotic and transmission to tracking systems.

In the remote camera range, Panasonic introduced the newest addition to its comprehensive, professional PTZ camera line-up — the AW-UE150. This new flagship model is the first in its class to feature 4K 50p and a wide viewing angle of 75.1 degrees horizontally along with 20x optical zoom and 32x intelligent zoom(in HD mode). It also comes with a large 1-type MOS sensor, 12G-SDI, HDMI, optical fiber, IP connectivity and a new crop feature allowing several Full HD shots to be taken simultaneously from a single 4K image. The camera was on display in Europe for the first time alongside a new touchscreen remote controller (AW-RP150). Offering a large LCD screen for monitoring and menu settings, the controller offers great usability and is single hand operable with a joystick in addition to traditional two hand operation that manages all control operations.

At the top of its switcher range, Panasonic introduced the AV-HS7300, a powerful and flexible switcher designed for both 4K and HD production needs. This provides up to 72 inputs and 42 outputs to support large scale programs. With its operability enhanced by ergonomically designed panels, the switcher balances ease of handling within a powerful system, while offering class leading, internal 4K processing.

Panasonic also announced a growing market share for its studio camera range, thanks to adoption by key European broadcasters and production companies such as France Televisions, Mediapro and Streamteam. Since re-launching its studio range in 2012, Panasonic has achieved a 17 per cent share of the total European market and 40 per cent of its targeted live and mid-range studio market. To maintain its momentum, Panasonic announced a selectable high speed (2x, 3x and 4x in HD mode) firmware update to its AK-UC4000.

The studio camera, launched in March 2018, now has the capability for 4K output via the 12G-SDI outputs from the camera head and from the camera control unit. It operates in both HDR and SDR modes simultaneously, with the 4.4K sensor and 2/3 type B4 lens mount enabling true 4K resolution and high sensitivity images. In addition, the newly launched AK-MSU1200 master control unit provides a compact controller allowing users to match and operate all cameras from a single centralized point.

For the ENG sector, Panasonic unveiled a brand new P2 B4 Shoulder Camera, the AJ-PX5100. Featuring a 2/3 type 2.2M 3MOS sensor, high sensitivity and HDR (HLG) support, the AJ-PX5100 offers outstanding image quality. It’s equipped with a choice of codecs including AVC-Intra200/100/50, AVC-LongG25/50, and offers dual codec recording with AVC-Proxy. For storage, the camera offers double P2 and micro P2 slots making it an efficient and reliable recorder. Multiple interfaces, streaming capabilities, P2 Cast work flow with a dedicated ROP app and integration with the AK-HRP200 controller ensures the camera meets the industry’s need for high speed network workflows.

4K 50p Integrated PTZ Camera — Panasonic has showcased its 4K 50p, HDR integrated PTZ camera for the first time in Europe, at IBC 2018.

The AW-UE150 provides images with a smooth and natural look thanks to its 50p sensor, making it well suited to scenes featuring fast movements and high-end applications in broadcast, corporate, education, rental and staging.

Integration is provided across a variety of 4K interfaces, including 12G-SDI, HDMI, Optical Fibre and IP which supports HDR mode. In addition, the camera can simultaneously output both 4K and Full HD.

This new flag ship model is the first in its class to feature 4K 50p and a wide viewing angle of 75.1 degrees horizontally along with 20x optical zoom and 32x intelligent zoom(in HD mode). The camera allows up to three Full HD crops from the single 4K image canvas, this offers greater flexibility and, alongside its compact size, makes it ideal for more challenging camera locations.

Other features include a 1-type MOS sensor, large size tally, various optical stabilizers and New Web UI support.

In addition to the release of the camera, the brand new AW-RP150 remote control unit was also on show offering a large LCD screen for monitoring and menu settings. The controller offers great usability and is single hand operable with a joystick in addition to traditional two hand operation that manages all control operations.

The controller is compatible with the UE150 as well as Panasonic’s previous camera models. The RP150 also adds an SDI input to the LCD panel for control monitoring, and is capable of supporting up to 200 cameras in 20 groups.

The AW-UE150 and AW-RP150 are set for release in December 2018 at a price of €11,000 for AW-UE150 and €4,500 for AW-RP150.

Read all of TVNewsCheck’s IBC 2018 news here.