PRONEWS AWARD / Vol. 07: "VIDEO PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION DIVISION : All-in-one distribution equipment from various companies

Announcement of nominees for video production and distribution

The video and distribution divisions are comprehensive divisions centered on distribution equipment, including video production solutions and remote cameras.

In the live distribution market in 2022, new products related to all-in-one distribution equipment that do not require a PC have appeared from each company. Stream devices from YoloBox, streaming audio-video mixers from Roland, dedicated equipment from Taylor Innovations, and live distribution equipment from Cerevo. It seems that we are entering an era in which distribution operations, which until now required special knowledge and experience, can be realized by in-house production.

The products nominated in the video production and distribution category are as follows.

■NewTek TriCaster Mini X

Suggested retail price: 1,760,000 yen including tax (single model)

Video production and distribution department_description image

TriCaster Mini X is a one-box program production/live streaming distribution device that can realize professional live video production. Equipped with Live Link, the first in the TriCaster series, it features web external source input, 4 integrated HDMI inputs, support for resolutions up to 4K30P, and more, without the use of third-party applications.

■Panasonic Connect KAIROS Cloud Service

Service start date: June 27, 2022
Suggested retail price: Initial registration fee 30,000 yen, monthly fee 200,000 yen ~

Video Production/Distribution Division_Explanatory Image

The KAIROS cloud service is a subscription-type video production solution that converts the IT/IP platform “KAIROS” into the cloud, which enables highly flexible video production. The video is sent from the shooting site to the cloud, and the production team performs switching and mixing, and it is possible to distribute the streaming to the viewer via the cloud again. It is characterized by a high degree of freedom in video production, as the data can be instantly passed to the production team via the KAIROS cloud, without the need to bring back the filmed footage from a distance and hand it over to the production team.

■ Canon CR-N700

Release date: December 28, 2022
Suggested retail price: Open, estimated market price is 1,210,000 yen including tax

The CR-N700 is the top model of a 4K remote camera for indoor video production. It supports 4K60P 4:2:2 10bit output from 12G-SDI and HDMI by linking with the 1.0 type CMOS sensor and the image processing platform “DIGIC DV7”. This is the first Canon remote camera for indoor video production that supports HDR shooting and is equipped with Eye AF and Head Detection AF. In addition to Canon’s proprietary IP “XC protocol” and “NDI|HX”, it also features support for the “SRT protocol” that has been widely adopted in recent years.

■ Roland SR-20HD

Release date: August 26, 2022
Suggested retail price: Open, estimated market price is around 330,000 yen including tax

The SR-20HD is a streaming/AV mixer that enables stable live distribution with simple operations without using a computer. It combines the functions of a video switcher, audio mixer, preview monitor, streaming encoder, and recorder into a single unit, simplifying the work process and reducing distribution problems. A 4.3-inch TFT color LCD is used for the display, enabling high-quality live streaming in various locations using the distribution line of smartphones.

■YoloLiv YoloBox Mini

Release date: August 29, 2022
Suggested retail price: Open, estimated market price is 96,800 yen including tax

YoloBox Mini is a stream encoder that can be driven by a built-in battery without the need for a computer or monitor. By connecting the camera and YoloBox Mini via HDMI and inserting a contracted SIM card, high-quality live distribution is possible with compact and lightweight equipment. It can be used not only for live distribution but also as an external monitor for the camera, and the input terminal supports one HDMI, USB-A2.0, SD card, and 3.5mm microphone line input.

■YoloLiv Instream

Release date: November 11, 2022
Suggested retail price: Open, estimated market price is 165,000 yen including tax

Instream is a live streaming device for vertical distribution that integrates video encoder, monitor, recorder, and switcher functions into one unit. Equipped with functions such as multicam, graphic overlay, P in P, chroma key, and audio mixer, it enables live distribution of vertical videos on Instagram, TikTok, etc., which were generally distributed with a single smartphone or tablet. The input has 2 HDMI inputs and 1 USB Type A input, and most UVC compatible products can be input. The HDMI output can also be used to display the stream on devices with an HDMI input.

■Cerevo LiveShell W

Release date: August 19, 2022
Suggested retail price: 99,000 yen including tax on Cerevo official online site (price for body only)

LiveShell W is a live distribution device equipped with 2-input video switching and video effect functions developed based on the technology cultivated by Japanese manufacturer Cerevo with LiveShell X. In addition to the functions of LiveShell X, 2-input video switching and video effect functions are condensed into one unit. In addition to the main unit operation, LiveShell W is equipped with a distribution setting web application that can be used from the browser of a PC, tablet, or smartphone within the same network. Anyone can easily set video and audio effects such as mixes, P in P, telops, and chromakey, as well as distribution destinations.

■ Tailor Innovations Blastreams

Release date: Mid to late July 2022
Suggested retail price: 499,800 yen including tax

Blastreams is a dedicated live distribution device that supports HDMI/SDI 4K input to make it easier to use the distribution tool “OBS Studio”. The cable routing and operations required for conventional distribution are simplified as much as possible, enabling distribution with just one Blastreams unit and a camera. It is easy to shoot video and enables high-quality and stable distribution. The open source live distribution tool “OBS Studio” can be used, and even beginners can easily distribute. It is said that it is possible to capture video and audio and distribute it to various video and audio services while performing operations such as mixing, filtering, and switching scenes.

■JUNS LiveCommand PRO

Release date: July 15, 2022
Suggested retail price: 118,000 yen including tax

LiveCommand PRO is a controller compatible with Blackmagic Design’s ATEM switchers. It is a physical controller with 10 inputs, 2 DSKs, 4 KEYS, 5 audio knobs, and a T-bar, and can be used with almost all ATEM series, from old models to the latest models. Equipped with a short stroke type T-bar, it is possible to achieve delicate transitions that are difficult to operate with software. PGM / XLR / MIC / CAM1 / CAM2, 5 audio volume knobs are installed, and you can press the knob to turn each audio ON / OFF, and turn it to adjust the volume.

■AND IS 5.5

Release date: August 5, 2022
Suggested retail price: Free

NDI 5.5 is an IP video transmission standard that has been further enhanced to support content creators, developers and manufacturers and allow more freedom to transmit video and audio over networks. It features new routing tools, audio enhancements, remote connectivity performance and more to support the needs of cloud, on-premises and hybrid workflows for broadcast and non-broadcast applications.

■PRONEWS AWARD 2022 Video Production/Distribution Division Finalist

NewTek TriCaster Mini X
Panasonic Connect KAIROS Cloud Service
Canon CR-N700
Roland SR-20HD
YoloLiv YoloBox Mini
YoloLiv Instream
Cerevo LiveShell W
Taylor Innovations Blastreams
JUNS LiveCommand PRO
IS IS 5.5

The 2022 PRONEWS AWARD Winners in Video Production and Distribution are as follows:

PRONEWS AWARD 2022 Video Production/Distribution Category Gold Award

Panasonic Connect KAIROS Cloud Service

Mr. Yoshinori Okazaki of the Technology Strategy Office, Media Entertainment Division, Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. commented on receiving the award.

Thank you for giving us such a prestigious award. The KAIROS cloud service is a video production solution that converts the IT/IP platform “KAIROS”, which enables highly flexible video production, into the cloud and seamlessly connects the entire workflow from shooting to editing and distribution at the video production site. It started as a subscription-type service at the end of June.

The demand for video distribution platforms is rapidly expanding due to the corona crisis, and the need for live distribution of sports and events is increasing. This service was born from such a desire to fulfill the desire of.

Before the launch of this service, we conducted demonstration experiments with various video production companies, and received many opinions from the people on the site to evolve it. KAIROS, which has a high degree of freedom regardless of the number of MEs, the number of keys, or the angle of view, expands the range of video production and provides unprecedented new effects. By enabling the necessary functions from the work flow from shooting to distribution with a software-based UI, we can improve work efficiency by minimizing equipment and resources. In addition, it can be used as a distribution system that achieves both high-quality, large-capacity video transmission and real-time remote control over the Internet line.

As the demand for live streaming continues to grow, the KAIROS cloud service will continue to contribute to solving the problems of everyone in the field through continuous updates. If you want to streamline your work, or if you are considering unprecedented production or live distribution at a new site, we would appreciate it if you would consider this service as a new live distribution system. Thank you.

PRONEWS AWARD 2022 Video Production/Distribution Category Silver Award

Canon CR-N700

We received a comment from Canon Marketing Japan Inc. on receiving the award.

It is a great honor for the Canon CR-N700 remote camera to receive this prestigious award. In recent years, Canon has entered the remote camera market in 2021, as the need for remote production has increased in the video production market.

The indoor middle-range model CR-N500, the compact entry-level model CR-N300, and the outdoor model CR-X300 were successively announced and released, and the high-end 4K60P remote camera CR-N700 was in high demand. ” was announced.

In addition to 12G-SDI output, this product is equipped with eye detection AF and head detection AF functions, supports protocols such as NDI, SRT, Free-D, and various functions such as crop function, HDR, and OSD functions. It is a product with functions that can support various video productions.

We are very pleased that Canon’s remote camera has been evaluated. In the future, I hope that I can help everyone with new video expressions and labor saving in remote production video production.