SONY features new high-definition technologies and HD installations at NAB 2009

LAS VEGAS, NAB Booth #C11001. – Sony is announcing he continued adoption of its high-definition Technologies by leading broadcasters, news organizations, TV producers, and reality TV programs, at the National Association of Broadcasters convention here this week.

“High-quality productions are still very much in demand, and the HD conversion continues in broadcast, as well as education, houses of worship, government, sports and more,” said Alec Shapiro, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Broadcast and Production Systems Division. “Sony HD cameras, switchers, displays and decks continue to lead the way, helping TV producers, technical directors, cinematographers, news crews and others bring new and exciting HD content to their audiences and viewers.”

One message that Sony is be highlighting at NAB is its theme “Create.Connect.Inspire,” which explains how Sony’s HD technologies help customers: create content in new and dynamic ways; connect with their audiences more meaningfully; and inspire others with their message.

A major announcement included an appearance by Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, previewing the team’s new stadium, set to open this summer. The new stadium will feature 3,000 Sony HD displays, as well as Sony HD control room and production equipment. The Sony equipment will capture and produce video for playback during games on the stadium’s LED screens and the HD displays throughout the venue.

Sony is also being designated as the “Official HD Television” of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Burnett Productions, the leading producer of reality TV programming, announced it has made Sony’s XDCAM® optical technology its preferred format for the majority of its programming. The production company has transitioned most of its shows onto XDCAM, and the XDCAM PDW-700 camcorder has become the company’s camera of choice for each of its HD series.

On the big screen, Sony continues to get top billing in the production of motion pictures – from the biggest summer hits to indies and documentaries. This summer’s expected blockbuster is Michael Mann’s “Public Enemies” and producer Bryan Carroll spoke about how the movie’s production team used the Sony F23 camera to recreate the Depression-era story of bank-robber John Dillinger.

Home Shopping Network is also making the leap to high-definition production, adding 43 Sony HDC-1400 studio cameras and three Sony MVS-8000G production switchers to its seven-studio facility in St. Petersburg, Fla. The HD upgrade project also includes XDCAM HD422 PDW-700 camcorders, PDW-HD1500 decks, Sony BVM-L230 master monitors, and an assortment of Sony LUMA® LCD production monitors.

In addition to new installations and sales, Sony is also highlighting its complete HD line-up of products at NAB 2008.

Sony is showing more than 30 new models at NAB -- including new products and upgrades to existing products - from HDV™ and EX™ camcorders to the growing XDCAM HD422 family and up to the F23 and F35 digital cinematography cameras.

Sony has delivered more than 47,000 units of XDCAM Professional Disc ™ systems worldwide since its introduction in 2004, including the standard- and high-definition versions. Sony’s newest optical technology, the XDCAM HD422 camcorder (model PDW-700) and deck (model PDW-HD1500), continues to gain acceptance and commitments from broadcasters, television producers, rental houses and others.

Sony’s new product highlights at NAB 2009 include:

* Studio Series HD technology: A new line of high-definition studio cameras and multi-format production switchers designed to provide broadcasters a high-quality, yet more accessible entry into HD production. The new HSC-300 and HXC-100 cameras and MVS-6000 switcher are based on the proven performance of Sony’s HDC Series studio cameras and MVS Series switchers, which are widely used production tools of choice for TV broadcast and live event content creation.

* New XDCAM HD422 Camcorder and Deck: The new PDW-F800 CineAlta camcorder and PDW-F1600 deck expand the capabilities of the MPEG HD422 codec, with both offering a frame rate of 23.98P natively in 1080 mode and multi-format recording flexibility as standard – including standard-definition recording to support legacy formats (MPEG IMX®, DVCAM™ and 4:2:0 HD content). They also provide multi-format (1080i/720P) recording, as well as HD/SD conversion and cross-conversion during playback between 1080i and 720P.

* SRW-9000 HDCAM SR Camcorder: Designed for television, commercial and motion picture production, the new model combines the format’s image quality with the versatility of a one-piece camcorder. The full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution camcorder uses 2/3-inch CCDs with a 14-bit A/D converter and digital signal processing to capture up to 1080/60P images with a high level of detail.

* R Series HD Cameras: Sony is updating its flagship line of HDC high-definition cameras for studio and live production applications. The new “R” Series continues Sony’s developments in CCD technology, combining its second-generation 1080/60P imager with a newly developed DSP LSI designed for enhanced digital signal processing and more comprehensive focusing capabilities.

* ELC-MVS01 automation software: This software is designed for integration into standard- and high-definition news control room systems, and is also available for the existing MVS-8000A and MVS-8000G model lines. It can add efficiency to existing control room workflows while maintaining the creative flexibility that broadcasters require. The ELC automation option integrates into existing newsroom computer systems, such as iNews® or ENPS

* PXU-MS240 mobile storage unit: Designed for use with XDCAM EX camcorders and decks, the new PXU-MS240 mobile storage unit can be used to transfer data from SxS PRO™ memory cards to the unit for nearly continuous back-up or off-load of video clips.