NEW WINDSOR, N.Y.—PRG is a global leader in production technology, powering creativity across every corner of the live and entertainment industries. While our roots are on Broadway—and we remain deeply entrenched in theater—we now partner with the world’s biggest names in live events, concert tours, corporate experiences, television and film. Today, more than 80% of our work is in 4K or higher.

Clients come to us with an idea, and we turn it into reality. That might be the setup and rental of a couple of digital cinematography cameras for an episodic shoot, or it could be a massive production infrastructure. We’ve even delivered productions on a record-breaking scale—like season one of “Beast Games,” for which we provided more than 300 cameras.

Flyaway Systems for Scale
To support the nature of our business, we build flyaway systems that can interconnect to give us the scale we need. We include all of the video and audio processing, along with routers from Evertz or Ross Video in racks under 63 inches in height so they can fit on a plane.

We have to work within tight space constraints, but we also have to remember our ultimate goal of ensuring the highest possible quality all time. So, our systems include signal-measurement kits, and for that we rely entirely on Leader. Typically, our racks will include the LV5350 waveform monitor and the LT4670 sync generator.

That means we can easily provide complete timecode, video quality monitoring and measurement, right where the production needs it. Where there needs to be quick adjustment, users can have confidence in what they are seeing. Indeed, the Leader name is widely recognized as the one to choose for video test and measurement, so our clients feel confident knowing we use these instruments.

Our quality control starts before the kit gets to the venue. Our camera team, led by Kenny Kato, checks every camera before it goes out. Where necessary, we have built on the manufacturers’ video standards to develop our own PRG quality baselines to deliver the best possible quality and ensure consistency. A large production will have cameras in multiple formats from many manufacturers, and we ensure that they are matched as closely as is technically feasible. This reduces stress on-site and time in edit.

All the Data at a Glance
Our camera workshops use the Leader LV7600W rasterizer. This means the engineer can precisely see the measurements they want in the layout they want on a large monitor on a workbench. That includes SDI packet timing as well as waveform and vectors to ensure the perfect signal is being delivered. Being able to see all the information simultaneously is obviously a huge time-saver, and more convenient and cost-effective than buying multiple instruments from multiple vendors.

Where we are lining up high-quality cameras for episodic shoots, the LV7600W allows the engineer to fully evaluate the output against a CIE diagram. It helps me confirm whether we’re hitting Rec. 709 or BT2020. The ability to display precise code value, rather than just a waveform, speeds accuracy.

We first used Leader test and measurement equipment in 2015 when we provided the facilities for one of the world’s largest sporting events. It worked well for us, and we have seen no reason to change. Leader Instruments offer us quick and clear access to precision measurement in the form that works best for us and for our clients. They’ve proven to be reliable, efficient tools—and in our view, they’re some of the best products in the industry.

More information is available at https://leaderphabrix.com/.

Missed any of our recent product news? Here is TV Tech's weekly wrap-up of new products, services and deployments we published in our newsletter between August 12 to August 16. The stories are listed from the newest on Friday August 16, day by day back to our stories from Monday August 12.

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THATCHAM, U.K.—Test & Measurement solutions provider Leader Electronics of Europe, has announced that it will showcase both Leader and Phabrix instruments at this year’s IBC Show, which takes place at RAI Amsterdam from 13-16 September (Stand 10.C01). 

During the show, the company will be presenting a comprehensive range of its latest and most popular test & measurement (T&M) solutions that cater to every stage of the manufacturing and broadcast production chain – from in-house video technology development to broadcast QC, on-set live production and post-production.

Martin Mulligan, COO, Leader Electronics of Europe, commented that “The continuing increase in the number of broadcast environments employing both SDI and IP underlines the validity of our commitment to providing T&M solutions that are truly ‘hybrid-capable’. We expect many IBC visitors will be looking to review their T&M capabilities in 2024-25 as the pace of IP adoption intensifies, and we look forward to demonstrating why our technology can provide everything they need to support new and legacy workflows. Adding to this, we can’t wait to add another major product innovation into our line up; stay tuned for more details on its release in the run up to IBC 2024!”

Solutions relating to hybrid IP/SDI generation, monitoring and analysis include: 

• The Leader LT4670 1U full-rack width ‘True Hybrid’ SDI/IP synchronous test generator will be demonstrated at IBC. Its standard toolset includes Genlocked black burst signals, tri-level sync pulse generation, and dual PTP generation, a stay-in-sync function for use in the event of an error in the incoming genlock signal, slow-lock stabilization when returning to genlock from stay-in-sync, 48 kHz word-clock signal output synchronized to incoming video; plus synchronous control between devices (L-SYNC).
• Phabrix’s advanced QxL rasterizer will also be on show. QxL is fully 10G/25G IP enabled as standard, with support for generation and analysis of JT-NM TR 1001-1:2018, ST 2110-20 (video), up to four 2110-30 (PCM) and 2110-31 (AES3 transport) audio and a 2110-40 ANC media flow, all with 2022-7 Seamless IP Protection Switching (SIPS) and AMWA NMOS IS-04 discovery and IS-05 device connection management. 
• Alongside the QxL will be Phabrix’s renowned handheld instrument, Sx TAG. An ideal line checking tool for testing ST 2110 and ST 2022-6 streams, Sx TAG provides support for SMPTE ST 2110-20/30/40 encapsulation/decapsulation with ST 2059 PTP, SDP and NMOS as well as SMPTE ST 2022-6 encapsulation/ decapsulation.

Advanced generation, analysis and monitoring tools for broadcast QC and MCR solutions include:  

• Phabrix’s QxP portable waveform monitor offers 12G-SDI and 25G-IP monitoring in a fully portable, lightweight 3RU form factor. With its combined waveform monitor, generator and analyzer toolsets, and integral V-mount or Gold-mount battery plate, QxP is designed for all workflows whether SD, HD, UHD, EUHD, SDR, HDR, SDI or IP, conventional or remote production. 
• Phabrix’s Rx Series will also be demonstrated. Ideal for fast 2K/3G/HD/SD fault diagnosis, the Rx rasterizers offer up to 4 channel generation, analysis and monitoring, all displayed via an ultra-flexible display layout, offering up to 16 instruments on show simultaneously.

Flexible test & measurement for on-set, post and live production:

• Leader’s brand-new ZEN-W Series will be making its IBC Show debut, comprised of the ‘True Hybrid’ simultaneous IP & SDI, LV5600W waveform monitor and LV7600W rasterizer. Each incorporates a Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) interface, allowing secure remote control and monitoring from a web-connected desktop or laptop computer.
• Leader will also be demonstrating a host of brand-new updates for its complete ZEN Series of rasterizers and waveform monitors, including HDR/SDR/HDR conversion via 3D LUT file import, SDR Full Range Display and the addition of ARRI, RED and SONY camera tools to the Leader Cinezone real-time false color exposure display.

Instruments for 12G-SDI and product engineering environments include: 

• Renowned for ‘in-house’ product development and technology manufacturing environments, Phabrix’s advanced Qx and QxL rasterizers offer up to 12G-SDI and 25G IP analysis and monitoring. The Qx Series’ fast 12G/6G/3G/HD-SDI physical layer testing toolset instantly highlights SMPTE compliance issues. Its advanced SDI-STRESS option will also be demonstrated, suitable for stress testing SDI interfaces up to 12G.
• Phabrix’s SxE handheld instrument offers generation, analysis and monitoring toolsets with advanced Physical Layer Analysis, ideal for SMPTE compliance evaluation.

Solutions for live cloud production are also available. Using AWS Direct Connect, traditional Picture, Waveform and vectorscope analysis tools are available to productions utilizing the cloud. With support for CDI, NDI & SRT, along with the traditional Quality of Experience analysis tools, production and engineering staff can also analyze Quality of Service, with Ancillary Data, Flow Tables and Path delay analysis on either computer, tablet or smartphones.

More information is available at https://leaderphabrix.com/

THATCHAM, U.K.—Test and measurement provider Phabrix, a Leader Company, has announced that its distributor, Logic Media Solutions, has sold multiple Phabrix Qx rasterizers, Leader LV5600 waveform monitors and LV7600 rasterizers to TVN Live Production. 

Headquartered in Hanover, Germany, TVN is one of Europe’s leading providers of mobile television services, working on high-profile productions including soccer tournaments and music festivals for more than 35 years. The company is also in demand as a supplier and partner in the development and introduction of innovative technical solutions.

The adoption of Ultra-High Definition (HDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) production workflows provided the impetus for TVN’s latest investment in T&M and monitoring equipment, the companies said. 

“With the beginning of the era of UHD and HDR, it was an easy decision to choose Phabrix instruments for our technical positions, and Leader instruments for our operator positions” said TVN CEO Markus Osthaus, adding that the two brands’ products fulfilled the company’s requirements for “user-friendly and flexible measurement devices for professional broadcast use”.

Working closely with Christophe Bingemer, managing director of Phabrix/Leader reseller Logic Media Solutions, TVN decided upon an investment comprising Phabrix Qx rasterizers, Leader LV5600 waveform monitors and LV7600 rasterizers. 

The Qx rasterizer brings together all the advanced tools required for transitioning to the next generation of video formats. Designed for HD/3G/6G/12-SDI and IP ST 2110/2022-7/2022-6 environments, as well as 4K/UHD production and advanced HDR analysis, the instrument set includes tools for rapid fault diagnosis, compliance monitoring and product development. 

Also supporting both new and legacy workflows, the Leader LV5600 is a ‘True Hybrid’ waveform monitor compatible with 4K/HD/SD-SDI signals and UHD/HD/SD IP signals, the company said. 

The LV7600 rasterizer offers the same capabilities as the flagship LV5600 but in a low-profile 19 inch 1U form-factor for easy rack or desk mounting. Engineering-related features include test pattern generation, eye pattern display, closed-caption monitoring, CIE chroma chart, HDR measurement, focus assist, customizable screen layout, tally interface and 4K/UHD operation as well as 10G/25G IP input and 12G-SDI interfaces.

Osthaus said that the new Phabrix and Leader equipment has already been deployed during its commitments to multiple tournaments: “TVN applies Phabrix/Leader measurement equipment at all Bundesliga matches, as well as UEFA tournaments such as Champions League, Europa League and Conference League – thus always providing the best picture quality and signal quality for our customers.”

As to the future, further investments in Leader group products are evidently a possibility. “When we plan and set up new studios or OB vans, the Phabrix/Leader products have become part of our standard equipment,” noted Osthaus, adding that the brands have “always been at the cutting edge of technology, and usually ahead of the competition in terms of innovation.”

“It is always gratifying to hear that a company with such a prestigious track-record as TVN Live Production has put its trust in Phabrix and Leader T&M and monitoring equipment for its work on hugely important productions like Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League,” Masayoshi Ishihara, managing director, Leader Europe said. “With expectations rising ever-higher in the era of UHD and HDR production, TVN can depend upon the versatility and robust performance of the Qx rasterizers and LV5600 monitors to ensure that its customers – and their viewers – experience the best possible quality every time.”

FORT LEE, N.J.—Leader Instruments will feature its newly added LV5600-SER33 option for its LV5600 waveform monitor and LV7600-SER33 option for its LV7600 rasterizer—both providing support for JPEG XS (SMPTE ST 2112-22) compressed signals up to 4K—at the 2023 NAB Show, April 15-19, in Las Vegas.

Available as an optional license, the company’s SER33 can perform JPEG XS stream parsing, decoding and encoding, compressed video signal and packet header analysis, packet error detection and comparatively display JPEG XS, SDP and ST2110-40. The SER33 toolset also can output JPEG XS compressed video test signals, the company said.

Leader’s SER33 option allows production staff in a studio or on location to monitor and analyze the quality of incoming or outgoing JPEG XS signals. These checks can be performed during pre-transmission line-up and live production. Decoded JPEG XS signal streams can be compared alongside uncompressed test sources using the multiscreen facilities, it said.

Leader’s LV5600 is a mains-powered SDI/IP waveform monitor in a half-rack width 3U desktop chassis with a touch-screen front panel display. It provides the facilities needed to monitor SDI as well as video-over-IP signals seamlessly in a hybrid operating environment, Leader said.

Features include test pattern generation, eye pattern display, closed-caption monitoring, CIE chroma chart, HDR measurement, focus assist, customizable screen layout, tally interface, 4K/UHD operation, 10G/25G IP input and 12G-SDI interfaces. The unit supports SMPTE 2022-6, SMPTE 2022-7 and SMPTE 2110 protocols. The LV5600 also incorporates Leader's intuitive CINEZONE and CINELITE, it said.

The LV7600 rasterizing waveform monitor offers the same capabilities as the LV5600 but in a low-profile 19-inch 1U form factor for easy rack or desk mounting.

See Leader Instruments at NAB Show booth C4920.

More information is available on the company’s website.

FORT LEE, N.J.—Leader Instruments Corporation has announced that it will demonstrate Leader and Phabrix products during the April 2023 NAB Show in a combined product display. 

The products on display at Central Hall booth C4920 in the Las Vegas Convention Center will focus on simultaneous and hybrid approaches to SDI and IP test and measurement. These technologies are designed to offer the versatility broadcasters need as they transit from SDI to IP, HD to UHD, SDR to HDR, onsite and cloud-connected virtual remote production, and volumetric production, the company said. 

Leader offers a complete IP solution ranging from the LT4610 and LT4611 PTP generators plus the award-winning ZEN Series LV5600 true hybrid IP/SDI waveform monitor and its LV7600 equivalent rasterizer to the LVB440 IP traffic analyzer. The LV5600 provides the same monitoring and measurement resources irrespective of whether the video signal is IP or SDI. That includes the ability to display and compare IP and SDI video sources simultaneously. They also give engineering staff the tools they need to monitor and analyze IP network activity, the company reported. 

The company explained that a key strength of many Leader and Phabrix products is their ability to operate on location under battery power as well as 110V/240V AC mains. The Leader LV5350 and LV5300A battery-operable waveform monitors will be demonstrated alongside the PHABRIX Sx TAG, QxL and QxP.

Leader's LV5600 is a mains-powered SDI/IP waveform monitor in a half-rack width 3U desktop chassis with a touchscreen front panel display. It provides all the facilities needed to monitor UHD/HD/SD SDI as well as video-over-IP signals seamlessly in a hybrid operating environment. Engineering-related features include test pattern generation, eye pattern display, closed-caption monitoring, CIE color chart, HDR measurement, focus assist, adjustable screen layout, tally interface, 4K/UHD operation, 25 gigabit/s IP input and 12G-SDI interfaces. SMPTE 2022-6, 2022-7 and 2110 protocols are all supported. The LV5600 also incorporates Leader's intuitive CINEZONE real-time false color exposure and CINELITE (built-in light meter) tools which are familiar to many content production staff.

During the show, Phabrix has also announced that it will be showcasing the Phabrix QxP.

The Phabrix QxP inherits the toolset and flexible architecture of the QxL rasterizer but in a 3U form factor with an integral high-contrast 1920 x 1200 7-inch multi-touch LCD screen and a V-Mount or G-Mount battery plate. It is ideal for workflows involving portable HD, UHD, SDR, HDR, SDI and IP, as well as conventional and remote productions. For real-time IP production, the QxP provides support for generation and analysis of HD/3G/UHD/EUHD 2110 payloads on generic SFP28/25GbE interfaces. The flexible architecture of the QxP offers in-field, engineering grade data view and ANC packet inspection tools together with optional upgrades for SDI-UHD/4K, 2110-UHD/4K 48-60p RGB (EUHD), PCAP, Dolby E decode, HDR, and AV test signal generation. A factory-fitted hardware option provides RTE™ 'Real-Time Eye' and jitter SDI analysis with the further option of a highly advanced SDI-STRESS toolset, the company said. 

LONDON—Broadcast and production service provider EMG has chosen Leader multiscreen waveform monitors for integration into three new OB vehicles. 

A total of 16 LV7300 rasterizers, supplied by Leader channel partner Thameside.TV, will be used for master reference during live transmissions and related post-production, the companies said. 

"Leader test instruments have been our preferred choice for nearly 10 years," says Paul Francis, director of engineering. "They have proved consistently reliable, accurate and operator friendly. Many of the projects we work on are very large scale with feeds sometimes exceeding 100 cameras. Precise and repeatable monitoring of video signal flow is vital to ensure accurate matching of camera channels. The LV7300 rasterizers also ensure that we maintain the full available video and audio dynamic range from source right through to output.

"The rasterizers are connected to large-screen monitors which allow easy inspection of displayed detail,” he continued. “The LV7300 has a similar menu structure to Leader instruments in our other OB vehicles so operators can move freely between them. Multiple display tools can be combined in a single screen view to allow easy side-by-side comparison of related parameters or channels."

"Leader products like the LV7300 are providing production companies with simple and elegant test and measurement solutions that allow them to monitor and analyze multiple camera sources easily and efficiently," adds Kevin Salvidge, sales engineering & technical marketing manager at Leader Europe. "They also allow easy upgrade from HD to UHD and SDR to HDR if or when required."

Leader LV7300 rasterizers come in a compact 1U half-rack footprint. They provide signal generation plus a wide range of measurement tools and support SDI signals from SD through 12G. Waveform, vector, picture, audio, and SD-SDI to 12G-SDI eye-pattern displays enable comprehensive measurement and quality control of a wide range of audio and video formats. Measurement tools also include phase comparison, five-bar gamut display. A focus detection algorithm can be implemented to ensure precise camera adjustment when working with low-contrast source where traditional focus is difficult, the company said. 

Detected errors captured on the LV7300's status display can be registered using event logs and long-term charts. SDI-embedded audio can be viewed as Lissajous waveforms as well as bargraphs. Also included in the instrument are Leader's CINELITE and CINEZONE. CINELITE offers in-picture measurement of RGB, luminance and f-stop levels, allowing real-time inspection of brightness and exposure levels. F-stop-based evaluation enables an operator to respond quickly to variations in lighting level. CINEZONE overlays false colors on the image to determine exposure zones.

Controllable from the front panel, via mouse or touchscreen, the LV7300 can be powered from 10-18V DC, enabling it to be used in locations where mains electricity is not available, or via a power supply unit. Rear-panel ports include two SDI inputs (12G and 3G), two SDI outputs, SDI and HDMI monitor feeds, 75-ohm external reference loopthrough, Ethernet and multipin remote interfaces plus DC power input.

YOKOHAMA, Japan—Leader Electronics today unveiled several major feature additions for the LVB440 IP Analyzer, including signal generation tools for IP traffic and signal monitoring as well as the ability to monitor and analyze SR Live Metadata necessary for mutual conversion of HDR and SDR content via the SR Live for HDR solution. 

SR Live for HDR forms part of the broadcast production workflow when content is transcoded from 4K HDR or HD HDR. Using metadata sourced from each camera, the LVB440 enables production staff to identify and correct potential issues quickly and effectively, the company said.

The latest additions follow the product’s Q4 2021 feature expansion, which included support for JPEG XS ST 2110-22 compression analysis, closed captioning measurement, 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound and loop-mode continuous capture of data packets, it said.

With its new signal generation capabilities and SR Live Metadata toolset, the LVB440 offers increased efficiency in evaluating network performance. Operators can create placeholder reference signals locally using the integral GUI or remotely via NMOS. SDR and HDR signals, such as chroma bars, can be configured for specific video resolutions or refresh rates, including a user-definable video or audio ident, saving time during system setup or alteration, the company said.

Placeholders also can be created to represent video and audio feeds that will be required later in the production timeline. Network connections, such as remote OB or studio sources, can then be tested before the start of a live transmission, it said.

Housed in a compact 1U, the LVB440 allows efficient analysis of SD, HD, HD HDR, 4K and 4K HDR data flow over media networks of any size. Designed to monitor and analyze high-bitrate media traffic in broadcast production studios, OB vehicles, master control facilities and transmission networks, the analyzer supports data rates of 10, 25, 40 and 50 gigabit/s, extending up to 100 gigabit/s via dual interfaces. The core processor is more than capable of handling the 48 gigabit/s data rate required for full bandwidth source 8K, it said.

The LVB440 is controlled via an HTML-5 browser and provides full support for up to eight local or remote users. It gives production teams the ability to perform real-time checks on large numbers of streams and multiple resolutions in parallel at multiple locations. Operators can survey every media transport layer of an IP network simultaneously, allowing issues to be rectified before they impact the quality of service experienced by viewers, the company said.

Existing LVB440 models can be updated to the latest version via the Leader website, it said.

More information is available on the company’s website. 

STAMFORD, Conn.—NBC Sports has turned to Leader Electronics for waveform monitors and rasterizers as well as on-site support for production of the on-going XXIV Olympic Winter Games from Beijing. 

Dozens of hybrid waveform monitors and rack-mount hybrid rasterizers are in use for quality control operations at the network’s International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn., and on-site in Beijing.

The Leader waveform monitors and rasterizers are used for QC of audio and video signals, including 4K UHD and HDR across SDI and IP-based workflows.

“Leader has decades of experience in providing measurement and quality control solutions for high-profile live broadcasts, and the NBC Sports team already has had success working with the company and its waveform monitors and rasterizers to ensure our broadcasts look and sound just right,” said Tim Canary, vice president of engineering at NBC Sports. “Because these Leader systems support the latest media formats and transport protocols, they fit nicely into our live production workflow for the Winter Games.”

More information is available on the Leader website. 

LONDON—Production and post house Fifty Fifty here has acquired a Leader LV5600 waveform monitor for use as a master reference for quality control of TV and digital film productions at its Soho headquarters. 

"The LV5600 was a crucial addition to our equipment jigsaw. It provides all the tools we need to ensure conformance with the strict standards laid down by the major video-on-demand content providers,” said Fifty Fifty managing director Alex Meade. “The operating menu is well structured and highly intuitive, as Kevin Salvidge of Leader demonstrated when he visited us to host a very effective training session.”

The waveform monitor offers Cineline and Cinezone tools that enable real-time signal monitoring with the ability to “drill down for closer study” when an element in the signal flow requires a closer look, he said. 

“Measurements are consistent, repeatable and can be stored or exported. Our operators have the freedom to configure the internal display screen to allow precise comparison of multiple signal parameters,” said Meade.

Leader's LV5600 is a mains-powered SDI/IP waveform monitor in a half-rack width 3 RU desktop chassis. It offers a touchscreen front panel display and can be configured to provide all the facilities needed to monitor UHD/HD/SD SDI, as well as video-over-IP signals, seamlessly in a hybrid operating environment. 

Engineering-related features provided as standard include test pattern generation, closed-caption monitoring, CIE color chart, high dynamic range measurement, focus assist, adjustable screen layout, tally interface, 4K/UHD operation, 10G IP input and 12G-SDI interfaces. SMPTE ST 2022-6, SMPTE ST 2022-7 and SMPTE ST 2110 protocols are all supported. 

Distributor Thameside provided the waveform monitor.

More information is available on the company’s website.

YOKOHAMA, Japan—Leader Electronics has launched the LVB440 IP Analyzer, which is designed to simplify QoS monitoring and analysis of high bitrate IP media traffic, such as SD, HD, HD HDR, 4K and 4K HDR data flows over media networks.

The LVB440 can analyze media traffic in broadcast production studios, OB vehicles, master control facilities and transmission networks. The analyzer supports data rates for 10, 25, 40 and 50 gigabits/second and can extend up to 100 gigabits per second via dual interfaces, the company said.

The core processor at the heart of the LVB440 also is capable of handling the 48 gigabits/second data rate of full-bandwidth 8K video, it said.

Controlled via an HTML5 web browser, the LVB440 allows production teams to perform real-time checks of a large number of data streams and multiple resolutions in parallel at multiple locations. Using the analyzer, operators can survey every media transport layer of an IP network at the same time, which makes it possible to correct issues before they affect the quality of service experienced by viewers, Leader said.

The LVB440, which is housed in a compact 1U chassis, can be connected to primary and secondary networks, allowing monitoring and analysis of the SMPTE ST 2022-7 streams to ensure seamless protection switching, it said.

The unit also offers tools to analyze Precision Time Protocol (PTP) clock, including clock source detection, time accuracy and path latency of individual flows. It analyzes the SMPTE ST 2110, 2022-6 and 2059-2 PTP standards, and the Network Media Open Specification is supported, the company said.

Offering intuitive packet display analytics, which includes single or multiple stream correlation, the analyzer makes fast and easy work of identifying errors. Media metadata and deep packet analytics can be displayed, it said.

Traditional colorimetry measurement tools, including a vectorscope with ITU Rec. 601, 709 and 2020 compatibility to check chroma saturation issues that can arise in mixed standard and HDR environments, are also available, Leader said.

The analyzer’s flow-overview function makes it possible to bond any data flow or signal stream on a network into a single viewing configuration made up of video, audio and ancillary data, which can be stored as a preset and later recalled, it said.

The LVB440 supports up to eight stereo-pair audio channels with metering and monitoring as well as the AES67 standard.

The analyzer is offered with the Widgets API HTML5 video monitor. Waveforms from multiple cameras can be supervised via a single HTML5 video monitor view and the resulting data shared among production team members in different locations, it said.

The Instrument View Engine, which allows a user’s 11-inch Apple iPad Pro mobile workstation to be deployed as a color-accurate touch panel, is available as an option, Leader said.

More information is available on the company’s website. 

FORT LEE, N.J.—As HDR becomes the new production standard, Leader has shared that its LV5350 waveform monitor is part of Panavision’s Link HDR On-Set system that is designed to assist with the viewing of HDR images throughout the production and post-production process.

The LV5350 waveform monitor allows productions to measure value beyond the capabilities of HDR reference monitors, according to Leader. It has a HDR Cinezone function that enables cinematographers to see which values are above SDR and determine how to address certain areas of the frame.

LV5350 incorporates a range of production-related features, including PQ, HLG and SLOG3 HDR measurement; a CIE chroma chart for color space issues; focus assist; simultaneous SDR and HDR monitoring; customizable screen layout; a tally interface; and support for 4K/UHD, 12G and 6G-SDI. The unit can be rackmounted and operated on AC or DC power. There is also an eye pattern display with jitter measurements.

For more information, visit www.leader.co.jp/en.  

LONDON—Leader’s LV5333 compact 3G/HD/SD-SDI waveform monitor has a few new tricks up its sleeve courtesy of a new update. Among the new features that Leader has integrated into the system are measurement facilities for BT.2020 color space, full range video and the LV5333SER02 HDR option, which enables measurement of HD HDR and 2SI 4K in ITU.BT.2100 Hybrid Log Gamma, Dolby PQ or Sony Slog-3 protocols.

These updates make LV5333 HDR agnostic. Leader’s CineZone real-time false color display is also available as an option and has been enhanced to support false color display of HDR images, supporting PQ, HLG Slog-3. The waveform display now supports PQ scales of 4000, 1000, 400 and 100 cd/m2, as well as 800 percent and 500 percent for HLG.

The addition of full range video to the LV5333 now enables the waveform monitor to be used for both television and cinema production.

The LV5333 is designed for deployment in studios or technical areas, or attached to a camera tripod.

LONDON—Leader Electronics is expanding the capabilities of its LV5490 4K/UHD/HD waveform monitor, announcing a new Independent Extended Display feature. The LV5490 can now present as many as 15 user-selectable graphic or data-group elements on its front-panel monitor and via the external monitor output, compared to is previous ability of showing four simultaneous test displays.

LV5490 with Independent Extended Display

The Independent Extended Display will now be a standard feature on all future LV5490 instruments, which offer signal displays such as video waveform, chroma levels, color vectors, bar-graphs, noise, video patterns, quad-3G phase, data tables, camera picture output, color chart, multichannel audio levels and surround-sound vectors. The new feature can also be incorporated as a software upgrade to existing units.

Leader will showcase the Independent Extended Display at IBC 2017, along with its other new product, the LV5490SER10 direct-digital 4K noise measurement processing option. The LV5490SER10 can perform measurements of noise in luminance or RGB component chroma channels in all formats that can interface to the LV5490, including IP, 12G, 3G, UHD, HD and SD. In addition, data obtained from the SDI source is converted directly without intermediate analog processing.

Leader will be located at booth 12.A10 during IBC 2017, which takes place Sept. 15-19 in Amsterdam.

LONDON—Leader is adding another tool to the utility belt of its LV5490 4K/HD/SD waveform monitor, announcing the LV5490SER10 software module, a direct-digital 4K noise measurement processor.

The LV5490SER10 allows measurement of noise in luminance or RGB component chroma channels in any format that can be interfaced to the LV5490, including IP, 12G, 3G, UHD, HD and SD. Data obtained from the input SDI signal is converted directly for accurate and stable measurement. The new video noise meter option enables operators to select the size and position of the measuring area as well as Y/G/B/R component channel. An alarm can be set to send alerts if noise levels exceed a predefined threshold. There is also an integral low-pass filter for elements of the high frequency band to be removed at the time of noise measurement.

The LV5490 offers 4K, UHD, 3G, HD and SD test and measurement features, which can be viewed simultaneously on a 9-inch LCD monitor. The monitor features full 1920x1080 HD resolution and a 1920x1080 HD DVI and HD-SDI output to feed a larger monitor.

Leader will officially introduce the LV5490SER10 software module for the LV5490 in June.

HANNOVER, GERMANY—After a recent tryout during a Bundesliga soccer match, Leader’s LV5490 UHD test instruments have made the cut for TVN Mobile Productions first UHD-HDR mobile truck.

The LV5490 provides 4K, UHD, 3G, HD and SD test and measurement features in a compact portable unit. The unit’s 9-inch LCD monitor with 1920x1080 HD resolution allows for waveform, vector, five-bar and picture display to be viewed simultaneously. A 1920x1080 HD DVI and HD-SDI rasterized output is also provided to feed a larger monitor. Up to four SDI inputs can be viewed at a single time, including overlays. The size and location of individual channels on the display using a USB mouse. Leader also has the LV5490SER07 HDR option that allows the LV5490 to measure both 4K and HD HDR in ITU.BT.2100 Hybrid Log Gamma, Dolby PQ or Sony SLOG-3 protocols.

During the Bundesliga match, TVN said it was able to produce program feeds in UHD-HDR and UHD-SDR, developing and implementing a new HDR/SDR workflow for the OB truck. TVN has plans for four more tests to take place for the LV5490 system before the end of the Bundesliga season.

BINGEN AM RHEIN, GERMANY— German integrator Broadcast Solutions GmbH, provided three Leader LV5490 4K test instruments for a new outside broadcast production truck built at its headquarters in Bingen am Rhein, Leader said. The project was commissioned by South Korean’s national television and radio network, SBS, which is based in Seoul. The 12G-SDI single-link production vehicle—SBS UHD1—employs the two-sample interleave UHD standard and accommodates up to 12 4K/UHD cameras. It also offers 3G-SDI quad link monitoring gateways.

South Korea was a very early adopter of UHD TV,” said Broadcast Solutions chief technology officer, Rainer Kampe. “This new truck, UHD1, is based on the Alphaline variant of our Streamline OB vehicle family. It is designed for use by up to 17 operating staff. Alphaline comes with special workplace design, room concept and reduced length in order to cope with the special conditions of South Korean roads.

“SBS specified Leader LV5490 and LV5381 UHD instruments for camera control suite where they will be used during pre-shoot alignment of video sources. They are located on a sloping panel near the centre of the CCU desk. The LV5490 signal monitors were chosen for their accuracy and versatility, plus their compactness, which is obviously a significant factor in any OB system design and are used for high end analysis of the 12G single link UHD and 3G quad link UHD layer) plus three LV 5381 for operational monitoring.”

UHD1 is 11.35 meters long and 2.55 meters wide during transit, expanding to 3.75 meters, and weighing in at 27 tons. On-board equipment includes 12 Ikegami UHK-430 cameras, Ikegami 3 mix/effects vision switcher, Evertz routers, Studer Vista X audio mixer, Tascam audio storage and Riedel intercoms.

Occupying a half-rack-width by 4U high housing, the Leader LV5490 offers 4K, UHD, 3G, HD and SD test and measurement features in a compact portable unit. Waveform, vector, five-bar and picture display can all be viewed at the same time on the LV5490’s 9 inch LCD monitor. The monitor is full 1920x1080 HD resolution with a wide viewing angle and high colour reproduction. A 1920 x 1080 HD DVI and HD-SDI rasterized output is also provided to feed a larger monitor. Simultaneous viewing of up to four SDI inputs is possible, including overlays. The size and location of individual channels can be adjusted on the display using a USB mouse so the user is not limited to fixed-size quadrants.

Leader’s Cinelite II toolset also comes as a standard feature, allowing easy assessment of relative exposure and overall luminance during production. A focus assist option allows highly accurate on-set adjustment of camera focus to match the 4K format’s ability to handle very precise image detail.

The LV5490 can also be controlled remotely using standard KVM tools. Additional options for the LV5490 include eye pattern with jitter measurements, digital audio I/O, Dolby decode, focus assist, CIE color chart and 12G-SDI.

LONDON—Leader Electronics’ LV7390 3G/HD/SD SDI rasterizer is getting a 4K upgrade. The LV7390-OP20 upgrade brings 4K/UHD support for program production and post, as well as 4x3G HD-SDI to the LV7390.

This 4K upgrade allows Leader products to provide HDR measurement capabilities for a variety of 4K standards, including ITU.BT.2100 Hybrid Log Gamma, Dolby PQ and Sony SLOG-3 protocols. Leader’s Cinezone HDR technology is also included; this uses false color to display areas of the image extending into HDR so it can be used on non-HDR monitors. The Cinezone HDR option also supports HD formats.

The LV7390 rasterizer is designed for measuring up to four source channels simultaneously to allow video and audio parameters to be checked on a separate monitor in full 1920x1080 HD resolution.

LV7390 customers can purchase the new 4K upgrade when their business requires it.

LONDON—The IP Live Studio in Sony’s Digital Motion Picture Centre Europe is getting a little help from Leader, as the test and measurement technology provider announced it supplied its LV5490 4k/HD/SD waveform monitor to assist with IP-based live productions.

Leader has shown interoperability with Sony’s Networked Media Interface, and so the IP Live Studio’s LV5490 system comes with the LV5490SER08-IP (NMI) option. This supports traditional SDI video formats and Sony IP. It also supports 4K formats including 4096x2160 and 3840x2160 via multiple links as well as 4x HD signal monitoring via IP.

Leader first demonstrated the LV5490 4K with IP Live Studio interface at the 2016 NAB Show.

LONDON—To paraphrase Constantin Stanislavski, there are no small parts, only small players, and Leader was one of those players during a recent recording of a stage play in London’s West End by NEP Visions. Leader contributed its LV5940 4K multi-format waveform monitor to serve as the master reference instrument for the UHD capture of Martin McDonagh’s new play “Hangman.”

The LV5940 waveform monitor supports standard video production and transmission resolutions from 525 and 625 SD up to 3840x2160 and 4096x2160 4K UHD. It features a 9-inch LCD monitor that can view and analyze up to four video channels simultaneously. It comes with eight input connectors allowing the system to accept up to two 4K signals. In the 4K video format, up to four 3G-SDI dual link 4K video inputs or up to two 3G-SDI quad link 4K video inputs can be selected for display, or two sets of HD-SDI dual link signals. Up to four signals can be displayed simultaneously in the SDI mode. The unit can also handle video signals via two-sample interleave and square division.

Additional features of the unit include CineLite and CineZone features to measure luminance; audio monitoring and analysis tools; video frame capture; instrumentation screen capture; timecode display; ID display; and a 4K pattern generator with embedded audio.

“The LV5940 proved very useful both for initial lineup and during the stage production,” said Chris Cannon, head of vision and VT at NEP Visions. “It enabled us to ensure precise phase alignment between the four HD-SDI channels that carry the UHD signal stream. We also used the LV5940 to check the colorimetry of the six Sony PMW-F55 cameras we used for the project.”

The finished recording has been is being utilized by Vue Cinema to show to audiences in the U.K. as a 4K digital cinema package.

FULLERTON, CALIF.—Leader Electronics has announced that its LV 5490 and LV 5480 4K-capable waveform monitors have a few new tricks, as they now feature 12G SDI, high dynamic range and video over IP options. Leader will demo the new options at the upcoming BE 2016 in London from Feb. 23-25.

LV 5490

The monitors are able to achieve 12G-SDI connectivity through an optional interface card that comes with four SD-SDI inputs. This will support 12G-SDI, 3G-SDI quad link, 3G-SDI dual link and HD-SDI, with the ability for each input to handle a quarter of the 4096x2160 pixel 4K or 3840x2160 pixel UHD image.

In addition, the HDR screen zone display supports SMPTE ST2084 and ARIB STD B-67. It also allows the false-color technique to be used to highlight areas of concern and has the ability to switch between HDR and SDR. Both monitors also support for ASPEN video over IP technology.

The trio of options will be able to help implement UHDTV baseband workflows for broadcasters and production companies, as well as VoIP infrastructures further down the line. Each option is available at the initial time of purchase, or can be added later.

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN—Test and measurement equipment provider Leader Electronics has announced that its future products will support the ASPEN protocol. By adhering to these protocols, the company ensures that its hardware and software systems conform to the IP-based data-exchange formats increasingly being used in broadcast television, radio and audio industries.

The Advanced Sample Picture ENcapsulation protocol was developed by a number of broadcast organizations to meet real-world requirements of an IP-centric facility while implementing proven MPEG-2 transport streams. It offers a format for encapsulating uncompressed UHD/3G/HD/SD over MPEG-2 transport streams. When combined with existing SMPTE standards, ASPEN provides broadcasters with a flexible method of transporting video, audio and data over scalable IP networks.

FULLERTON, CALIF.—The Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers’ 2015 Annual Technical Conference is scheduled to take place later this month in Los Angeles. Leader will be on hand to demonstrate a number of its products, including 4K production-support technology and its VC7 video standards converter.

LV 5490

Among the Leader technologies to be displayed is the Leader LV 5490 4K/HD/SD waveform monitor. This waveform monitor supports the full range of standard video production and transmission resolutions from 525 to 625 SD up to 3840x2160 and 4096x2160 4K UHD. Features for the LV 5490 include a 1920x1080 9-inch LCD monitor; eight input connectors that can accept up to two 4K signals simultaneously, or four signals in SDI mode; Cinelite and Cinezone features to measure and detect luminance levels; audio monitoring and analysis tools; as well as video frame capture, instrumentation screen capture, timecode display, ID display and a 4K pattern generator with embedded audio.

Leader will also have its LV 7390 4-channel 4K/3G/HD/SD-SDI rasterizer. The LV 7390 can be used to measure up to four source channels simultaneously while occupying 1U with the ability to be deployed for desktop or rack-mounted operation. The system incorporates full-resolution 3G/HD-SDI and DVI-I rasterized outputs, which allow video and audio parameters to be checked on a separate monitor in full 1920x1080 HD resolution. Measurements can be displayed as waveform, vector, picture, audio and SDI status.

In addition, Leader’s ShibaSoku VC7 multi-format standards converter will also be on display. The unit calculates multiple intermediate fields to provide a natural motion playback without video stuttering. The VC7 can convert up to 10 video signal formats, including 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 1080/29.97PsF, 1080/25PsF, 1080/24PsF, 1080/23.98PsF, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 625i/50 and 525i/59.94. Operational features include automatic input/output selection, ancillary timecode, linear timecode and vertical interval timecode conversion, and an ancillary data transfer function. It also comes standard with AES/EBU 24-bit multichannel input and output, plus audio channel mapping.

For more information, visit Leader’s booth, 304, during SMPTE 2015, which runs from Oct. 26-29 in Los Angeles.