Sony will exhibit a number of new products at IBC 2024, including its latest version of Virtual Production Tool Set available from winter 2024, at its booth at the RAI, Amsterdam from 13-16 September.
The latest version of the tool set offer new features, some of them under a paid licence. In the pre-production stage, the software allows for pre-simulation of virtual spaces with cameras that have the same look as those used in actual production. It will be newly compatible with more cameras beyond the existing VENICE series, now including the BURANO, FR7, HDC-F5500, HDC-5500 and HDC-3500 models.
It also supports Epic Games’ Unreal VCam, which Sony says makes it possible to control cameras in virtual space using an iPad. Additionally, Sony offers a paid licence for the Live Camera Sync, which can read changes in the settings of VENICE cameras and lenses on set and reflect them in the Unreal Engine settings.
Virtual Production is also moving into more broadcast applications as will be demonstrated on the Sony booth through a multicam set up with both VENICE 2 and HDC-F5500 cameras being used to demonstrate live and differed video feeds. On the booth will also be a video relating the recent successful multicam live switching experiment in London conducted by Sony, the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) and the BBC. The Virtual Production Toolset used for this will also be on display.
IBC 2024 will also mark the market introduction of the M2L-X, a software-based switcher which Sony says provides flexibility and capability in a production workflow thanks to its Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) approach and Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) deployment, coupled with interoperability with third party applications. The M2L-X also integrates with a software-defined platform that allows developers to easily build live media applications.
Visitors to the Sony stand will be able to try out Sony owned AI analysis engine and AI Rule Engine Maker to create highlight live videos, scene clips and metadata tagging in the A2 production suite. Integrating with the A2 Production Suite, the M2 Live cloud-based switcher and its AI automatic highlight, instant replay and Clip Transition latest features will also be on show.
Sony will also be exhibiting its new flagship professional shading monitor prototype, the 16.5in TRIMASTER HX 4K BVM-HX1710N (with IP/SDI/HDMI) for shading and quality control in live environments. The BVM-HX1710N supports SMPTE 2110 and as such adds to the widening Networked Live ecosystem.
This high luminance and fast response model is launching alongside another new model, the 16.5in BVM-HX1710. The 2 monitors combine true black reproduction, High Dynamic Range, and a peak luminance of 3,000 Nits. Additionally, Sony will be exhibiting the flagship model of a reference monitor, the BVM-HX3110, and the BRAVIA 9 (4K Mini LED TV).
Sony is also launching at this IBC, its new HDC-P50A camera, an IP native POV (Point of View) camera, with an optional license-based upgrade for direct IP output. Other key features include SMF transmission, CCU connection, and 4K 4x HFR. The HDC-P50A will be available in December 2024.
