MONTREAL—Grass Valley today announced a new multi-year framework agreement with RAI (Radiotelevisione Italiana), Italy’s national public broadcaster, for the supply of LDX 150 camera systems. The agreement marks the start of one of the largest camera refresh programs in RAI's recent history, with the first camera systems already deployed to refresh RAI’s outside broadcast fleet, according to Grass.

Grass Valley already has a longstanding relationship with RAI, which will progressively deploy LDX 150 camera systems over the coming years. RAI says it selected the LDX 150 camera system for its unique native IP connectivity, renowned simple and intuitive control and operation and its pristine HDR image performance.

The LDX 150 provides a camera platform that supports RAI’s current production requirements while enabling the company’s continued transition toward more flexible IP-based workflows, they said.

“As we continue to modernize our production infrastructure, we were looking for a camera platform that would support both our current operational needs and our future ambitions,” said Riccardo Rombaldoni, Dirigente Responsabile – Ingegneria di Realizzazione e Gestione Contenuti at RAI. “The LDX 150 combines excellent image quality with native IP connectivity, HDR acquisition and intuitive operation, giving our production teams the flexibility to support a wide variety of production environments while building on the trusted relationship we have established with Grass Valley over many years.”

The first phase of the deployment has been completed, with the initial LDX 150 camera systems fully operational within RAI’s outside broadcast fleet. Grass Valley’s long-time partner and systems integrator Video Progetti led the overall system integration, while Domo supported the project as the integration partner for the wireless camera components of the deployment.

MONTREAL—TV Skyline GmbH is taking 4K capability on the road with its announcement that it has added Grass Valley cameras to its HD OB Van fleet. The German-based company installed 21 GV cameras into its newest truck, the OB8, including 12 LDX 86N 4K cameras, seven LDX C80 Compact Premiere cameras, and two LDX 80 Premiere cameras.

The LDX 86N cameras include HDR and 3x Universe options, and provide traditional native HD/3G acquisition, as well as native 4K/UHD capture. The camera can be upgraded to LDX 86N Universe functionality with 6X HD and 3X HD/3G high frame rate capture.

The LDX C80 can switch its format from 1080i and 720p, while the LDX 80 can be upgraded with GV-eLicenses to support 1080p formats and features the Contour Equalizer for adjusting shadows, mid-tones and highlights independently. TV Skyline has already utilized the LDX C80 cameras for production during the Rio Olympics in August and the “Wagner Festspiele” in Bayreuth in Bavaria.