Ikegami Sets HDR at Centre Stage for IBC 2018

Demonstrations to include first IBC showing of the new HDK-99 3G-capable full digital 3-CMOS HDTV portable camera and HQLM-3125X 4K/HD master monitor.

Neuss, Germany, July 30, 2018 – Ikegami, a leader in advanced cameras and production equipment for television content producers and broadcasters, will introduce its latest HDR-compatible range of camera systems and an expanded range of monitors at the September 14-18 IBC 2018 exhibition in Amsterdam. Exhibiting on stand 12.A31, Ikegami will be represented by senior managers from the company's global network of sales and support Offices.

"The 2018 summer of sport encouraged many production companies to invest in High Dynamic Range which enables them to capture images with a much wider dynamic range than previously possible," comments Michael Lätzsch, Broadcast & Professional Video Division Manager at Ikegami Electronics (Europe) GmbH.

"Lighting in television studios is carefully controlled to prevent over-exposure of highlights or corresponding under-exposure of shaded areas. Broadcasters televising large public events from locations such as open-air stadiums or theatre auditoriums face the much greater challenge of real-world lighting; from very bright sunlight on white stadium canopies to the darker detail of shaded viewing stands.

"Our HDK-99 and HDK-73 cameras allow the full dynamic range to be captured within a single exposure setting, eliminating the need to adjust the optical aperture or imaging sensitivity in mid shot. The difference in picture quality is nothing short of stunning when viewed on HDR-compatible displays such as our new HQLM-3125X broadcast production monitor.

"HDR is also attracting an increasing level of attention from content producers as a way to maximise the long-term value of their programmes. The HDK-99 delivers a processed output from its control unit, allowing the camera to be used in a mixed-format production Environment.

"The SD to HD transition is still in progress after nearly 20 years and it is quite possible that the transition to UHD will take a similar timescale given the practicalities of delivering high bandwidth content to the viewing public. The Ikegami strategy is to support and encourage the highest possible production standards without forcing the pace of technical development faster than broadcasters choose to adopt."

Ikegami HDK-99 Full Digital 3-CMOS Full-HD 1080p HDR Camera

Debuted at the April 2018 NAB Show in Las Vegas, the HDK-99 succeeds Ikegami’s very popular HDK-95C as the elite offering in the Unicam HD series. A docking-style camera for portable and studio applications, it employs three 2.6 megapixel high-performance CMOS image sensors delivering high picture quality in HDR at Full-HD 1920 x 1080 resolution with progressive-scan. Processed 4K can be sourced from the camera control unit.

HLG mode maintains the high contrast required for HDR and conforms to the ITU-R BT.2100 international standard. Noise is less than -62 dB and sensitivity is a high F12. The sensors natively support 1080i /59.94, 1080i/50, 720p/59.94, 720p/50, 1080p/29.97, 1080p/25 and 1080p/23.98.

Also supported are 1080p/59.94, 1080p/50, 1080i/119.88, and 1080i/100 3G HDTV formats. Integral to the HDK-99 is the Ikegami AXII processor which allows fast and precise colour matching for live multi-camera applications. A Lens Aberration Correction function minimises resolution loss and coloured edging caused mainly by opticallens deviation.

Quick EZ Focus Assist provides distinct enhancement to the viewfinder signal, enabling the camera operator to make critical focus adjustments. Area size, area colour, edge colour and display time on the viewfinder are all adjustable from the camera menu.

Ikegami HDK-73 3-CMOS 1080i HDR Camera 

The Ikegami HDK-73 is a dockable multi-role 1080i high-definition camera designed for SDR and HDR broadcast production. It is available as complete system including CCU, connecting fibre, viewfinder and remote control. Image capture is to 2/3-inch 2.6 megapixel CMOS sensors, each capable of capturing Full-HD 1920 x 1080 resolution images with a dynamic range of 600% in normal mode and an extremely wide 1200% in HLG mode, high sensitivity (F13 at 50 Hz) and high signal-to-noise ratio. The sensors natively support 1080i/59.94 and 1080i/50, as well as 720p/59.94 and 720p/50 scan Formats.

Major features of the HDK-73 include full digital signal processing, advanced digital detail correction with independent horizontal and vertical correction of red, green and blue signals, and optional anti-moiré filtering. Hybrid log gamma processing is operator-selectable for HDR picture origination, enabling high-contrast scenes to be televised with full picture detail across the entire brightness range from highlights, mid-range to shaded areas. 

The HDK-73's dockable structure allows studio configuration with fibre base stations as well as self-contained operation with a camera adapter for wireless or onsite recording applications. A fibre adapter can be attached directly to the camera head without need for external cables. External devices such as wireless transmission or a solid-state recorder can be attached for standalone operation, making the camera suitable for live sports, news gathering or field production.

NEW: Ikegami HQLM Series and HEM Series Monitors

Ikegami is expanding its range of monitors with six new models.

The HQLM-3125X HDR broadcast master monitor employs a 4,096×2,160 pixel 10-bit resolution LED-backlit double-LCD panel with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and a panel brightness of 1,000cd/ｍ2. Fully compliant with BT.2020 wide colour gamut, the HQLM-3125X incorporates single-channel 12G-SDI x 2, 3G-SDI × 5, 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI inputs as standard features. Square-division and two-sample interleave sources can be connected to the monitor via 3G-SDI × 4.  Viewing angle for critical image evaluation is a wide 178 degrees (horizontal/vertical). In addition to its picture monitoring role, the HQLM-3125X can operate as a waveform monitor and vectorscope. It can also display vertical-interval timecode, eight channel SDI-embedded audio level and closed-caption subtitles.

The HQLM-3120W is a 31 inch 4K/HD production monitor equipped with two 12G-SDI input channels as standard for efficient configuration with 4K equipment such as cameras and switchers. 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and HDMI inputs are also provided as standard. It employs a 4096 x 2160 pixel UHD LCD panel using LED backlight and can reproduce high resolution 4K and 2K images.

Model HQLM-1720WR is a compact UHD HDR monitor equipped with two 12G-SDI input channels as standard for efficient configuration with 4K equipment such as cameras and switchers. 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and HDMI inputs are also provided as standard. It employs a 16.5 inch 3840×2160 pixel UHD LCD panel using LED backlight and can reproduce high resolution 4K and 2K images. Weight is just 9.5 kg.

The HLM-2460W is a 24-inch Full-HD monitor with a 1920×1200 pixel 400 candela 10-bit resolution LCD panel. It offers very narrow front-to-back dimensions, light weight and low power consumption.  Multi-format SDI. 3G-SDI, HDMI, Ethernet and VBS inputs are provided as standard. The HLM-2460W achieves real pixel allocation without resizing. Its gradation characteristics also make it ideal for a wide range of broadcast applications, including use in monitor walls. A smaller version with similar features, the HLM-1760WR has a 17-inch  display (with a Full HD 1920×1080 Pixel 450 candela, 10-bit resolution LCD panel).

The Ikegami HLM-960WR is a highly compact multi-format LCD monitor with a 9-inch Full HD 1920×1080 pixel 400 candela 8-bit resolution LCD panel. This models offer very narrow front-to-back dimensions, light weight and low power consumption. The HLM-960WR is economical in power consumption (AC or DC). An optional battery bracket is available. The monitor has a USB connector on the front panel, allowing setup file storage and recall, as well as control-menu navigation via a plug-in pointing device.