Sony Pushes HD, IT at NAB

New high-def production gear as well as IT-based technologies for broadcast will be the main topics of conversation at the Sony booth at NAB2005.

The newly introduced HVR-Z1U HDV-based camcorder will be an attention grabber. Sony expects to have shipped 6,000 units of the camcorder by NAB.

Sony will also show a demonstration of a high-definition version of its XDCAM Professional Disc optical disc-based production system. Sony will also display enhanced versions of its HD VTRs, including the HDW-S280 with new 24p capability that allows users a lower cost of entry into HDCAM 24p production.

Sony will introduce the SRW-5500 HDCAM SR VTR, which is switchable between Sony's HDCAM and HDCAM SR record formats and can simultaneously provide HD and SD output, as well as Digital Betacam playback.

Also on hand in the Sony booth will be the HDC-X310 multi-purpose HD camera, featuring an optical fiber interface that allows cable runs to be increased more than 10 times to a maximum of 3,300 feet. The camera is designed for HD point of view (POV) acquisition in stadiums, conference rooms, houses of worship or schools.

Four new SD camcorders will also be introduced. The DSR-400 and the DSR-450WS (widescreen) camcorders are based on 2/3-inch Power HAD EX CCDs and the DSR-450WS widescreen model can capture images in 60i as well as 24PsF, 25PsF (PAL) and 30PsF. The new MSW-970 MPEG IMX camcorder and the DVW-970 Digital Betacam camcorder feature 24p imaging capability and are based on a common platform, bringing 14-bit A/D and high-end imaging quality and production flexibility to their respective camcorder lines.

Sony will be in Booth SU6406.