PRONEWS AWARD 2023
For the PRONEWS Award 2023 Broadcasting/distribution category, nominations were mainly be given to video switchers and controllers.
In the distribution field, this year was once again full of new products. The biggest topic is probably the all-in-one model that incorporates all the functions. A new product that can handle all tasks has become a hot topic, integrating functions such as switching, loading/compositing graphics, distribution, recording, monitoring, and PTZ camera control. In the future, it is likely that new products compatible with IP and PoE will increase in this genre.
Although not covered in this section, the automatic tracking function of PTZ cameras also became a hot topic. What was particularly impressive was Canon’s “multi-camera orchestration,” a photography technology in which multiple cameras are operated simultaneously based on the will of a single cameraman. When I saw the demonstration, I was shocked as if I had witnessed a turning point in the changing times.
Now, let’s announce the finalists for PRONEWS Award 2023 Broadcasting/distribution category.
The following are nominated products for the PRONEWS Award 2023 in Broadcasting/Distribution.
Blackmagic Design “ATEM Television Studio HD8” series
Release date: February 24, 2023
ATEM Television Studio HD is a professional live production switcher built into the broadcast control panel. It is an all-in-one solution that allows switching by simply connecting the camera. ATEM Television Studio HD8 supports eight 3G-SDI inputs, distribution and recording capabilities, multiview, DVE, keyer, USB webcam, media player, talkback, and optional cloud storage. The ISO model has all the features of ATEM Television Studio HD, plus the ability to record eight individual inputs. Supports up to 8 remote cameras, with control and tally available for each camera.
Roland “VR-120HD”
Release date: February 24, 2023
The Roland VR-120HD is a professional AV mixer with greatly enhanced functions useful for live streaming, allowing a single operator to perform video production, audio mixing, distribution and recording. Equipped with 12 video input systems that support various video formats, it is possible to connect PCs, tablets, game consoles, etc. and import video. Equipped with eight layer functions, users can freely perform video compositing such as inserting captions and picture-in-picture. Up to 8 video systems can be output, allowing flexible video output to large-scale vision systems at the venue, or PCs for live streaming. Furthermore, it also supports streaming to the Internet, allowing stable distribution without the use of a PC.
Roland “VR-6HD”
Release date: April 28, 2023
This is a compact AV mixer that is ideal for video distribution such as business meetings and webinars. All-in-one design that can perform video switching, audio adjustment, live streaming, and recording. It saves labor on complex operations and enables high-quality distribution. Equipped with 6 HDMI video inputs, producers can perform video switching, compositing, audio adjustment, live streaming, and recording all in one device. An intuitive interface, automation functions that support complex operations, macros that allow one-touch operation of video and audio production, sequencer functions, PTZ camera control, etc. reduce the burden on operators and facilitate daily production and transmission tasks. to support.
Roland “VR-400UHD”
Release date: June 22, 2023
This is an AV mixer that supports 4K video. The simple operation panel is equipped with two large, easy-to-read touch monitors. Producers can change images by touching the screen, and no complicated operations are required. Furthermore, a variety of video compositions such as backgrounds and wipe screens are possible. It is also equipped with a “scene function” that allows users to prepare video composites in advance and view up to eight live preview videos at the same time and call them up with a single touch. Equipped with 7 systems of 4K compatible HDMI inputs, enabling high-quality video production. Additionally, the built-in scaler uses proprietary technology to handle videos of multiple resolutions and formats. In addition to a wide range of video production functions, it is also equipped with a 14-channel digital audio mixer. This makes it possible to perform advanced audio processing.
FOR-A “HVS-190” series
Release date: September 5, 2023
This is a portable video switcher that inherits the various functions of the HVS-490, which is used in a variety of sites. It comes standard with 8 inputs and 5 outputs (including 1 HDMI output), and can be expanded to a maximum of 20 inputs and 11 outputs with the HVS-190S, and up to 16 inputs and 9 outputs with the HVS-190I. All inputs are equipped with frame synchronizers and process amplifiers, and the outputs are equipped with a safety marker function. The HVS-190 has functions inherited from the HVS-490: 2 keyers, 4 FLEXaKEYs, 1 chroma keyer, 4 2.5D DVEs, a macro function that can register up to 100 patterns, and 2 systems. Equipped with still store and clip memory. It can be used in a wide range of situations, from program production to broadcast vans, live streaming, and corporate events.
Vizrt TriCaster Flex
Release date: October 23, 2023
Direct control of PTZ camera devices, audio connections, audio and video mixing, and TalkBack all via NDI connections. TriCaster Flex is the first control panel for TriCaster to support audio and video mixing, PTZ camera control, and TalkBack in a single unit. The features included in TriCaster Flex allow for highly precise control. Added audio I/O allows users to instantly expand TriCaster’s input and output and add external sources directly to the NDI ecosystem.
YoloLiv YoloBox Ultra
Release date: November 15, 2023
The top model of the YoloBox series, the Yololiv Yolobox Ultra integrates an encoder necessary for high-quality live streaming, a switcher to switch video, a monitor to check the video, and a recorder to record the video. There is no need for external devices such as a computer or monitor, or troublesome settings for streaming, and since it is powered by a built-in battery, there is no need to worry about power supply routing. For users with a YoloBox Ultra and a video source such as a camera, users can immediately start live streaming from anywhere. YoloBox Ultra upgrades from its predecessor with up to 4 HDMI inputs, an enhanced CPU (almost twice the performance), a larger battery (6800mAh/11.1V/75.48Wh), and a brighter display (650nits). By leveraging the enhanced processing power of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 CPU, YoloBox Ultra offers users maximum performance.
Panasonic AV-HSW10
Release date: November 29, 2023
This is a successor to the AW-HS50, which has been adopted in many production sites, with a compact body, high operability, reliability, and features that meet the needs of recent video production, such as the built-in IP. In addition to SDI and HDMI, it is equipped with IP input/output such as NDI and SRT in a compact B5-sized case, and is compatible with transmission protocols widely used in video production sites. By combining it with an IP-compatible remote camera, it is possible to perform IP-based video production with a simple system.
Canon RC-IP1000
Release date: December 21, 2023
The RC-IP1000 can receive camera images directly via IP, reducing the hassle of preparing a separate monitor cable. In the case of multi-cameras, it is possible to link the camera to be operated by switching the images visible on the controller, enabling real-time operation with fewer steps. IP images can be displayed on multiple screens such as single screen, 2×2 screen, or 3×3 screen, and can be operated by switching cameras on the touch panel or using physical buttons.
■ PRONEWS AWARD 2023 Broadcasting/Distribution Finalists
The following are the nominated products in the broadcasting/distribution category.
- Blackmagic Design “ATEM Television Studio HD8” series
- Roland “VR-120HD”
- Roland “VR-6HD”
- Roland “VR-400UHD”
- FOR-A “HVS-190” series
- Vizrt「TriCaster Flex」
- YoloLiv「YoloBox Ultra」
- Panasonic “AV-HSW10”
- Canon “RC-IP1000”
PRONEWS AWARD 2023 Distribution Category Gold Award
Roland “VR-6HD”
The Roland VR-6HD Integrated distribution PC, recorder, and audio mixer. The Gold Award was given in recognition for its ability to consolidate distribution operations that previously required a variety of equipment onto a single, compact computer-less system.
Despite its compact size, it has been equipped with features such as noise reduction, scene memory that allows users to recall screen configurations with a single button, and streaming via tethering with a smartphone. There is also an iPad app that allows users to remotely control most functions. There are many sites where small to medium-sized distribution can be handled smoothly with just one VR-6HD. It can be said that it is the most suitable switcher for one-off on-site distribution projects.
PRONEWS AWARD 2023 Distribution Category Silver Award
Panasonic “AV-HSW10”
While achieving a compact and portable size equivalent to B5 size, the AV-HSW10 supports IP input/output such as NDI and SRT in addition to regular SDI and HDMI. Our reviewers gave it the Silver Award in recognition of its compact size, multiple inputs, and support for both IP and baseband video production.
It inherits the highly acclaimed easy-to-use body buttons and T-shaped fader from the famous AW-HS50 released in July 2010. It seems that it has been introduced with modern specifications while maintaining size and operability. Furthermore, it is equipped with a keyer that can use chromakey, and can synthesize 10-bit signal processing.