One-man live production
Published: PRODUCTS
Sony’s latest MCX-500 multi-camera live producer has been created for single users that operate multi-camera setups. Designed with small-scale applications in mind, the all-in-one switcher is said to offer ‘the performance and technical heritage associated with Sony’s market leading A/V solutions, but at an affordable price’, making it particularly suited to houses of worship.
The MCX-500 includes features taken from the manufacturer’s MVS series, such as its broadcast-quality chroma key algorithm, and has also been designed to offer an easy-to-use interface, suitable for a HOW’s voluntary A/V team. The switcher includes four channels and the option for nine inputs such as four 3G-SDI, two HDMI, a pair of CVBS and an RGB input for title overlays. Compatible with a ‘wide range of video cameras’, the device features PiP and Keyer overlay functions, several transition effects and five channel audio inputs in addition to the four channel video inputs, including XLR and embedded audio from SDI or HDMI.
It is reportedly able to adapt to multiple workflows record live images with AVCHD formats without an external recorder, meaning that users can edit or distribute a video as soon as recording ends. A GUI option is provided to allow remote control from an external device, while Ustream integration has also been included for those looking to stream services and events online.
The HXR-NX5R, meanwhile, is the newest addition to the NXCAM camcorder family. It offers multi-format recording capabilities and improved network functionality, such as FTP and live streaming, built-in Wi-Fi and simultaneous backup recording via its dual SD card slots. Sony states that the three 1/2.8-type Full HD Exmor CMOS sensors and 40x Clear Image Zoom double the camera’s optical zoom without loss of image quality.
Additional upgrades that the HXR-NX5R brings include a 3G-SDI terminal, enhanced control options by way of a direct menu function and a responsive joystick and the choice of advanced XAVC S 50Mbps or established AVCHD/DV recording formats to provide workflow flexibility, as well as what the manufacturer states is ‘the industry’s first adjustable brightness LED video light to minimise the need for external lighting equipment’, ‘advanced noise reduction and remarkable detail reproduction’ and technology that makes use of DSP. The camera’s OLED viewfinder is designed to provide a wide viewing angle.
The successor to the RM-1000BP, Sony has released the RM-30BP compact multi function remote commander. Initially compatible with the PXW-FS7 v4.0 as well as the HXR-NX5R and MCX-500, the manufacturer has plans to expand the portfolio of devices that the remote commander will work with. It can be used as a handheld device, placed on a table-top or attached to the arm of a tripod and provides remote control such as recording/display functions, shutter speed, white balance, lens control and playback and multi-camera control for up to three units.
Finally, Sony has increased its portfolio of Trimaster El OLED master monitors with 17-inch BVM-E171 and 25-inch BVM-E251 replacing the BVM-E170A and BVM-E250A monitors and providing 4K production features.