Sony has announced its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) based Edge Analytics solution, the REA-C1000, which allows users to create video content in real time, without the need for specialist training or additional staff or equipment.

The compact and lightweight REA-C1000 uses its advanced AI-based video analytics technology to analyse the input it receives from connected cameras and automatically extract the object in focus to combine it with other images in real time on a GPU (Graphics Processor Unit). This unique technology using motion/face detection and colour/shape recognition, effectively makes the REA-C1000 the powerful brain of any connected camera and AV setup, allowing education, government and corporate organisations to cost-effectively create professional content that keeps audiences engaged.

“Video content has become a key method of communication in many organisations including education, government and corporate environments, and the demand for solutions that create high quality content, offer a hassle-free shooting experience, and help distribute content quickly is rapidly increasing,” explained Kenji Izu, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Professional. “At Sony, we want to provide organisations on a limited budget with cost-effective, yet powerful solutions that allow them to easily create professional and engaging video content. The REA-C1000 is yet another example of Sony working with our AV partners in corporate, education and government organisations to create solutions together that help solve the real-life technology and budget challenges of our customers.”

The REA-C1000, available in Spring 2019, comes with the following five optional features: handwriting extraction and presenter overlay, chroma key-less CG overlay, automatic control of output images such as PTZ auto tracking, focus area cropping and close-up by gesture.

• Handwriting Extraction and Presenter Overlay: By optimising parameters and processing the images received from the camera, the REA-C1000 can extract hand-written objects from black and white boards using Sony’s unique moving/unmoving object detection algorithm. This allows audiences to clearly see written content and diagrams, while simultaneously being able to see the gestures and expressions of the presenter. This function of the REA-C1000 is particularly well-suited for lecture theatres or remote learning to keep students engaged, even if they aren’t physically in the same room as their teacher. Also, it helps all members of an audience to engage in a live presentation, in a large hall requiring sub monitors.
• Chroma key-less CG overlay: Based on Sony’s motion detection technology, the REA-C1000’s chroma key-less function can extract the presenter and overlay them onto any background without the need for a dedicated backscreen or specialist training. This offers a simple, cost-effective chroma key solution to make content like corporates videos, interviews, webinars and e-learning materials much more appealing and engaging. This feature will be made available through a future software update later in 2019.
• PTZ Auto Tracking: The REA-C1000 can accurately and smoothly track a presenter, ensuring they constantly stay in frame and in focus throughout their presentation. This feature offers users a cost-effective tracking solution in an education, corporate or conference setting, without having to invest in a camera operator.
• Focus Area Cropping: Using this feature, image from one camera can be simultaneously shown as two different output images. The users are able to get an overview image in 4K and a cropped image in HD. The cropped area is selectable to be static or dynamic to follow the speaker’s movement. This feature will be made available through a future software update later in 2019.
• Close-up by Gesture: The REA-C1000 can detect and react to the gestures of audience members, allowing to show both the whole image and zoomed image in real time. When an audience member stands up, the REA-C1000 can trigger the camera to electronically auto-zoom in to that person, which is particularly useful in education environments to measure students’ reaction and in corporate presentation settings such as during a Q&A session.

After an initial 60 day free-of-charge trial period, each feature can be activated permanently through separate licences, providing users with the freedom to customise features based on their individual needs and budget.

Leveraging Sony’s know-how of image quality and their heritage in camera development, the REA-C1000 will support 4K/HD input and output, and will be able to connect directly to Sony’s PTZ cameras, including its range of XDCAM camcorders, which boast outstanding image quality and are widely used within the broadcast industry. Additionally, thanks to its HDMI network connection, the REA-C1000 can be seamlessly integrated into various common AV setups involving either multiple displays, large screen projections with monitors, or even live-streaming projects.