Hyundai Home Shopping Network, Korea, Expands its Studio Fleet to 21 Ikegami UHK-430 4K Cameras

Seoul, Korea, October 27th, 2021 - Hyundai Home Shopping Network Corporation (Hyundai HSP) in Korea recently expanded its investment in Ikegami UHK-430 4K broadcast cameras with the purchase of 13 additional systems. The network bought its first four UHK-430 camera chains in 2018, for preliminary tests, plus a further four systems early in 2021, now increased to a total of 21. These are being used across all five studios at Hyundai HSP's production facility in Seoul.

Hyundai HSP chose Ikegami cameras from the commencement of its service in 2001. In 2007 it became the first Korean home shopping channel to transmit in 1080i high definition with the deployment of HDK-79EXIII HD camera systems. Home shopping is very popular in Korea and has attracted many subscribers to premium channels transmitting via cable and IPTV. Hyundai HSP's parent company is the Hyundai Department Store Group, a leading conglomerate brand in Korea with strong financial power.

Korea is expected to progress its terrestrial digital broadcast network from HD to 4K broadcasting in 2027. The country's home shopping channels will continue to transmit in HD throughout the transition. Hyundai HSP's technicians were impressed by the UHK-430’s superb resolution and chroma quality in HD mode, compared with HD-native cameras. The advanced image reproduction allows the studio teams to convey the texture of televised merchandise with a high level of detail and realism. These strong points led them to choose 4 sets of Ikegami UHK-430 4K cameras in 2018.

During Hyundai HSP's transition period from the HDK-79EXIII HD to the UHK-430 4K cameras, Ikegami responded positively to the customer's request to operate both types from the same control panel. This prompt attention was well received. The stable operation of Ikegami cameras purchased in the past established a trusting relationship which resulted in a large purchase of UHK-430 cameras. Dong Hwa AV, Ikegami’s sole distributor for broadcast equipment in Korea, displayed a high level of technical skill and support which were also major factors during the project.

The fact that Hyundai HSP has deployed a large number of UHK-430 cameras has attracted the attention of other home shopping channels in Korea. Ikegami expects the demand for 4K cameras in this sector to increase.

Ikegami's UHK-430 is a 4K-native camera system with simultaneous HDR/SDR processing. Its three 2/3-inch CMOS sensors provide full 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution plus the depth of field needed for studio and outdoor production. The camera incorporates a B4 bayonet mount compatible with 2/3-inch broadcast lenses. An optional SE-U430 expander accommodates large studio or OB lenses.

An integrated Ikegami AXII processor enables the UHK-430 to deliver 40 gigabit/s uncompressed full bandwidth video transmission plus a wide range of features including 16-axis colour correction and focus-assist for 4K and HD video modes. With an optional Media over IP module for the CCU-430, 4K UHD video plus additional signals such as intercom and return-video feeds can be exchanged between the CCU-430 and a local IP network hub over a light weight optical fibre instead of requiring multiple SDI cables. This allows easy and low latency signal distribution. In its standard form, the UHK-430 weighs just 4.6 kg. Dimensions are 149 mm wide x 243 mm high x 340 mm front-to-back.

About Ikegami

Ikegami is a leading supplier of high-quality professional broadcast equipment. The Ikegami name is recognised globally for state-of-the-art television cameras, medical cameras and CCTV equipment. World-class CMOS imagery, 4K and 8K technology, multi-format flexibility and unparalleled customer support define the Ikegami experience for users in broadcast, sports venues, mobile production, houses of worship, education, corporate and many more applications.