Broadcast and production camera maker Hitachi Kokusai last week at the 2019 NAB Show New York took a big step in making full-HD, 1080p60 video acquisition easier to come by, with the unveiling of the CU-HD550 camera control unit (CCU) and CA-HF550 camera adapter.
The new camera adapter and CCU are slated for release in January.
The CU-HD550 and CA-HF550 are compatible with all Hitachi 1080p and 1080i Z and SK-series HDTV cameras, but are particularly useful with progressive-scan models. The new accessories combine with Hitachi Kokusai’s 1080p60-native studio and field production camera heads – including the Z-HD5500 and recently-introduced SK-HD1800 – to form camera systems with fully-progressive signal paths for maximum visual quality.
“1080p60 is becoming the de facto standard format for HD production today, offering visual quality that is superior to its interlaced counterpart without the additional bandwidth and storage overhead of 4K Ultra HD,” said John J. Humphrey, Vice President of Business Development, Hitachi Kokusai. “Even broadcasters currently limited to distributing 1080i are turning to 1080p to future-proof their production workflows, with ATSC 3.0 broadcasts poised to join OTT, cable, Blu-ray and in-venue distribution as very viable 1080p delivery methods. With the new CU-HD550 and CA-HF550, we’re pleased to make the system cost of our broadcast-class, full HD cameras even more affordable for all types of users.”
Compatible with both the new CU-HD550 and existing Hitachi CCU models, the CA-HF550 transmits video, audio, power and control over SMPTE 304M fiber between the camera and CCU. Two HD-SDI connections on the CA-HF550 provide video output at the camera end and can be switched between camera, prompter and return video. The CA-HF550 also provides ample AC power at the camera head to drive both a prompter and floor monitor through the fiber cable.
At the other end of the chain, the fiber-connected CU-HD550 combines multi-format SDI inputs and outputs with intercom, return video, teleprompter, tally and remote control interfaces in a 2RU form factor. A RJ-45 network port enables IP-based control, including integration with Ross Video’s open DashBoard control platform.
The 1080p SK-HD1800 combines the advanced, global shutter CMOS imaging technology first implemented in the company’s popular Z-HD5500 camera with a motorized, remote filter wheel to deliver impeccable image quality for mobile and event-based productions even in venues with challenging LED lighting and displays.
