SONY at NAB2024 – Booth Review

Sony is exhibiting at NAB2024, underway in Las Vegas from April 14th to 17th, 2024, under the theme of “Creativity Connected.”

First, Sony showcased “Networked Live” program, which supports more efficient live production, “Creators’ Cloud” production platform, and the “BRC-AM7“, a new 4K rotating camera with an integrated lens, at their booth at NAB2024. Sony will exhibit a rich lineup of imaging products such as the latest cameras and monitors, as well as the evolution of virtual production.

NAB2024 – Sony Exhibition Contents

On-premises/cloud live production “Networked Live”

“Networked Live” is a solution that realizes more efficient live production by making hybrid use of resources such as production equipment and people, regardless of on-premises or cloud environments.

At this exhibition, Sony will exhibit solutions that enable video transmission and remote production even with limited line bandwidth, as well as examples of the use of solutions that allow for flexible system expansion, from small to large scale systems.

As an evolution of Networked Live, new features of the media edge processor “NXL-ME80” (firmware v1.1 scheduled to be released in summer 2024) will be exhibited. In a private 5G communication environment, this machine can be combined with the remote production unit, the CBK-RPU7, to operate as a receiver. In addition to increasing the number of channels in ultra-low latency mode, this firmware also supports the 24p format, which is in high demand in movie production.

Also on display will be “Virtuoso UplinX,” a 100G transmission add-on for software-based IP media nodes newly launched by subsidiary Nevion, and “Virtuoso RE,” a software-based IP media node that is smaller than previous models. By using this add-on, Virtuoso MI also supports 100G transmission.

The software switcher “M2L-X” will also be exhibited at the AWS booth (booth number: W1701) as part of Amazon Web Services’ (hereinafter referred to as AWS) Live Cloud Production.

“Creators’ Cloud” Cloud production platform

The “Creators’ Cloud” cloud production platform maximizes efficient production by combining cloud technology with various cameras, communication technologies, AI, metadata, etc. Sony offers a variety of services for corporations and individuals, and they can be used individually or in conjunction with multiple services.

At their NAB2024 booth, Sony will exhibit examples of using Creators’ Cloud in news media, video production, live broadcasting, and AI utilization.

Ci Media Cloud

Ci Media Cloud, a cloud media storage for corporations that will be exhibited as an example of news production, will provide updates to streamline production workflows and enhance non-linear editorial collaboration. A new collaboration with Marquis Broadcast’s workflow software system Medway enables automatic import of content from Ci Media Cloud to Avid systems. This makes it possible to reduce the work process from material confirmation to the start of editing for movies, dramas, reality shows, etc. that involve large amounts of material.

A new collaboration with Colorfront’s Colorfront Transkoder will enable automation of file generation for VFX production.

In addition, the PC-based application “PWA-RX1”, which inherits the functions of the network RX station “PWS-110RX1A” (existing model) and enables stable live streaming with QoS (Quality of Service), will be exhibited (summer 2024). (scheduled for release). By using it in combination with “C3 Portal” which can transmit materials via the cloud, it can be used as a streaming server in situations where SDI output is required. In addition, C3 Portal will be available for use with Teradek, LiveU, and TVU Networks, as well as Dejero and Haivision.

As an example of sports production, Sony will be exhibiting a series of workflows from automatic generation of sports highlights to distribution using collaboration between “M2 Live” and “A2 Production.” The latest version of M2 Live v1.3 includes new enhancements to the audio mixer.

Creators’ Cloud for individuals will also include “Monitor & Control” ver.2.0.0 in advance (scheduled to be available from May 2024). Multi-camera monitoring function for up to 4 cameras (for iPad OS), full-screen monitoring function, desqueeze display function for anamorphic lenses, and focus for video creators who shoot short films, documentaries, and other projects with small teams. The update provides updates such as map monitoring display.

New cameras, imaging products, and monitors on display:

Sony is exhibiting the new BRC-AM7, a 4K PTZ camera with an integrated lens that uses advanced recognition functions powered by AI technology to enable accurate and natural automatic tracking shooting. Equipped with a 1.0-inch CMOS image sensor that enables high-definition shooting at 4K60p, this camera also supports PTZ autoframing using AI analytics.

In addition, it is equipped with system construction that allows for coordination with Sony system cameras and switchers, and easy color matching with Sony cameras. The product is scheduled to be released in early 2025, and a prototype will be on display this time.

Also on display is the flagship model CineAlta camera “VENICE 2”, the newly released “BURANO” cine camera, and the latest updates to the FX series.

For the three models of the professional monitor series (PVM-X3200, PVM-X2400, PVM-X1800), Sony will be exhibiting the firmware ver.5.0 update scheduled to be released in the summer of 2024. The update brings simultaneous HDR and SDR video production, HDR optimization features including automatic 4K/HD SDI settings, advanced black brightness settings, and interlaced mode support. Furthermore, a prototype of the new monitor controller “BVMK-R10” scheduled to be released in the fall of 2024 will be exhibited. There will be a demonstration of illuminated buttons optimized for use in broadcast vans and studios, and text display on a 1.3-inch menu display.

In the professional audio field, Sony will be exhibiting the adapter “DWA-F03D,” which can be connected to the digital wireless slot-in receiver “DWR-S03D.” The adapter is scheduled to be released in summer 2024.

Virtual production

An advance exhibition of the next version of the “Virtual Production Tool Set” that supports virtual production production. In the next version, Sony plans to add compatible cameras, synchronize the virtual space camera settings using Unreal Engine with the real VENICE series settings, and add the ability to manage virtual cameras via a tablet.

As the latest model of LED display for virtual production, Crystal LED VERONA, which simultaneously achieves deep black image expression and low reflection performance, will be exhibited. The display cabinet with an aspect ratio of 1:1 can be installed flexibly and precisely depending on the shooting scene, achieving high image quality performance that creates a realistic virtual space and streamlining video production.

Within the Sony at NAB2024 booth, a work from the University of Southern California Entertainment Technology Center’s latest short film project, “EUROPA,” is being shown. This is a work showing a workflow that allows for pre-production and shooting with consistent color management using the Virtual Production Tool Set compatible with the digital cinema camera VENICE. It is being displayed publicly for the first time within the Sony booth at NAB2024. Additionally, multi-camera switching for broadcast program production will be demonstrated.