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CineArray Debuts Advanced 8-Camera Cinematic Array
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Teradek Releases 5G Prism Mobile Backpack for 4K HDR Broadcasting
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Haivision Unveils a User Interface for the Makito X4 Video Encoder
Hosts: Philip Grossman, an independent advisor providing thought leadership and solutions architecture to leaders and organizations in the film and television industry; Mary Ann Seidler, owner of First Light Media and consultant for multiCAM Systems and Telos Alliance; and Maria Kholodova.
CineArray Debuts Advanced 8-Camera Cinematic Array
Maria: CineArray, recently branching out from CineGroup, has launched an advanced 8-camera cinematic array, integrating 8x RED V-Raptors with Zeiss CP.3 lenses. Designed for 360-degree environments, LED volume backgrounds, and specialized VFX shots, each camera provides an 8K image. The array, supported by CVP and CVF, is set to feature in major upcoming releases.
Philip unpack this for me.
Philip: Certainly. It’s truly impressive. I did some rough calculations, and that rig can produce an image of approximately 260 megapixels. I suspect it was primarily designed for the Sphere in Las Vegas, the new massive dome. But as we delve deeper into volumetric and VR-related projects, and as there’s a growing desire to capture content for use in these systems, this rig proves invaluable. As someone who uses a Red camera, I appreciate it mainly for its ability to capture 8K footage, from which I can extract 35-megapixel stills. It’s intriguing to see such specialized equipment. I’m not sure how many they’ll sell. They might sell enough to meet the industry’s demand, but fulfilling that niche might not be too challenging.
Teradek Releases 5G Prism Mobile Backpack for 4K HDR Broadcasting
Maria: Next up, Teradek has launched the Prism Mobile Backpack, a 5G broadcasting tool optimized for 4K HDR video. Designed for global news and live events, it features Teradek’s 4K bonded cellular encoder and up to 4x Node 5G modems. The backpack offers flexibility in modem, encoder, and battery choices, supports direct uploads to camera-to-cloud platforms, and ensures faster speeds with 5G support.
Philip, what do you think about this?
Philip: It’s fascinating. Teradek seems to be venturing into the realm of TVU and LiveU with these bonded cellular systems. With the advent of 5G, especially in areas equipped with millimeter wave tech offering up to a gig of bandwidth per modem, these units are starting to replace traditional satellite and microwave transmissions. This shift is simplifying the process for news collection, live events, and sports broadcasts over cellular networks. It’ll be intriguing to see if other players emerge in this market. Teradek has been a major player in transmission-based hardware for the film industry, and now they’re advancing by integrating bonded cellular technology.
Mary: It’s interesting, Philip. Just last week, we discussed the prevalence of 4K usage. Do you think manufacturers will universally offer this, prompting broadcasters to make the switch?
Philip: One thing that stands out to me is a presentation I saw at Sony Pictures explaining why the Lucille Ball show remained popular. It was shot using the most advanced video technology of its time, boasting a higher resolution than film. The same principle applies here. It’s about future-proofing. Many will utilize this 4K capability, not necessarily for live broadcasts, but for capturing content in 4K. This ensures they have high-resolution content ready for when 4K becomes more widespread. With OTT distribution and other content delivery methods, I anticipate a surge in 4K adoption. Personally, I’m more excited about HDR. While 4K is noteworthy, I wish there was more emphasis on HDR. It offers a more realistic portrayal. Adoption will occur, but it might be a case of the tail wagging the dog or putting the cart before the horse. Either way, it’s going to be a significant influencer.
Haivision Unveils a User Interface for the Makito X4 Video Encoder
Maria: Haivision has released a new software version for its Makito X4 video encoder, boasting a revamped user interface aimed at optimizing video encoding and streaming workflows. The dashboard offers real-time monitoring of active video sources, stream statistics, and status indications. The redesign simplifies tasks, from managing encoding resources to stream setup.
Haivision Unveils a User Interface for the Makito X4 Video Encoder
Mary, I know that you are curious about this.
Mary: I’ve been reading up on this, and they’re really emphasizing its capabilities. It’s not just about low latency; we’re talking ultra-low latency here. While broadcasters are an obvious user group, they’re also highlighting its applicability in corporate settings, government conferences, and even the military. I’m not entirely sure of its military applications, but it’s intriguing to see them branching out into diverse markets. It supports both SDI and my personal favorite, 2110-30, which simplifies connectivity immensely.
Philip, what’s your take on this?
Philip: I definitely see their push towards the corporate sector, which is crucial. The AV world is now integrating with compression. Their software updates and the emphasis on user-friendliness indicate a realization that not just engineers will be using this. They’re making it more accessible for the average end-user.
Maria: That’s all the time we have today. Many thanks to our experts – Philip and Mary! And don’t forget to comment on the news we’ve discussed. See you next Monday at the same time! Goodbye!
The live broadcast took place on August 28, 2023. Production – TKT1957 LLC.
Media Partner – Cine Gear Expo.
The program can be watched every Monday at 19:00 UTC+4 by clicking on any of these links:
