Sony is growing its IP Live Production System solutions with further support for SMPTE ST 2110 in both HD and 4K. This strengthens its commitment to driving interoperability based on open standards and supports wider industry adoption.

“The industry transition to IP has been driven by collaboration,” explained Deon LeCointe, Senior Manager Sports and IP Solutions, Sony Electronics Professional Solutions Americas. “Sony has been leading the transition and we continue to actively invest in shaping the IP landscape to offer customers the best systems, services and support they need to unlock IP’s full potential. By enhancing our Live Production offering with new support for SMPTE ST 2110 in both HD and 4K, we’re giving our customers ecosystems and technologies they need for their future.”

New IP Interface boards with SMPTE ST 2110 compatibility in HD/4K

Sony’s new XVS-9000 switcher, which was launched in October, will support both IP and 12G-SDI – the same as the XVS-8000, XVS-7000 and XVS-6000. For IP Live, a series of new 100G IP interface boards will enable SMPTE ST2110 support. The HDCU-4300 camera control unit will also support SMPTE ST 2110 through the HKCU-4001 Option Board. All products are planned to be available in January 2019 in HD and are planned to add 4K support in May 2019 by simple software update.

Also, to offer customers’ greater choice, Sony will continue to invest in Networked Media Interface, Sony’s unique IP-based transmission, of which transport specification has been standardized by ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Business), an organization to establish standards for broadcast and telecommunication in Japan, as ARIB STD-B73 1.0.

Sony continues to work with AMWA to support the NMOS IS-04 and NMOS IS-05, and to support 12G-SDI interface. Sony Live production systems all carry both IP and 12G-SDI interfaces.

Global investment in Sony’s IP Live Production System

As the market gears up for an IP-driven future, Sony has seen rapid global adoption of its IP Live Production System, with more than 30 systems around the world.

The following companies have recently invested in the benefits of IP;

Europe

Portuguese commercial broadcaster SIC (Sociedade Independente de Comunicação) has appointed Sony and its partner Telefónica to deliver Portugal’s first IP Live production facility in Lisbon. Representing one of the earliest large-scale IP Live deployments in Europe, the new facility will leverage the SMPTE ST 2110 suite of standards and Sony’s expertise in building systems alongside key vendors.

France Galop, the governing body of French flat and steeplechase horse racing, has chosen Sony’s IP Live production system as part of a complete renovation of Longchamp Racecourse. The customer is now equipped with an IP Live production control room, allowing for greater flexibility and sustainability, with the entire racecourse system being managed by Sony’s IP Live System Manager.

Japan

Mie Television Broadcasting Co Ltd has appointed Sony to build an all-IP HD Production system using Sony’s IP Live Solution. The system supports IP for not only key live equipment but also an audio system, designed to encourage resource sharing, driving greater efficiencies and ROI. The broadcaster will be able to control several studios using the single sub system.

NARA TELEVISION Co Ltd is creating a new 4K/IP OB truck and IP based studio sub system using Sony’s IP Live Solution. The truck can then be easily connected at the broadcasters’ current studio over IP and, once operational, the IP studio sub system can leverage the OB truck infrastructure as one large, seamless system. In order to future proof operations, the new system has the capability to operate remote production connecting the OB truck in the field and studios at headquarters with a dedicated IP line to achieve maximum efficiency.

China

Topcool Media is investing in its IP infrastructure to drive greater operational efficiency collaborating with Sony on a new and advanced 4K/IP OB truck, which will be used for productions including e-sports, concerts, entertainment events and TV programs.

Zhejiang Broadcast & TV Group has built a 4K IP OB Truck featuring 32 sets of HDC-4300s and all IP live solutions with Sony. The system supports 4K/HD simultaneous production capabilities and is equipped with both IP and SDI video routers. The OB truck will be used for various live productions including OTT and social media, for which the demand is increasing in China.

Similar multi-studio IP Live systems have also been adopted by broadcasters in the US.