Grass Valley launches LDX series of cameras
Combining business flexibility, operational excellence and outstanding image performance, Grass Valley announces the launch of the LDX Series of camera systems. The LDX Series — initially consisting of the LDX Première, LDX Elite, and LDX WorldCam — signifies the next step in image acquisition.
With uncompromised performance in 1080p50/60, full compatibility with Grass Valley’s line of 3G Transmission solutions and stunning 1080p/1080i/720p images, the LDX Series is the industry’s most advanced range of cameras. The LDX Series is based on three completely new, state-of-the-art, third-generation CMOS imagers – Grass Valley’s Xensium-FT. The LDX Series boasts an ergonomic design with time saving features such as improved color management and automated controls, allowing operators to concentrate on creativity.
The Grass Valley team of imaging scientists – led by Dr. Peter Centen – has a heritage of over 50 years in the development of imaging technology, and has been at the forefront of every breakthrough in image capture, from the development of the Plumbicon tube to flexible DPM CCD’s that could operate in any format natively, and now the next generation, high-performance CMOS imagers. Honored with six Emmy awards for camera technology, the LDX Series represents the ultimate fusion of imaging innovation and the proud legacy of cameras that have captured the world’s historic moments for decades. These models provide stunning images, based upon true 6k image acquisition with the brand new Xensium-FT imagers.
The new LDX Series offers an ergonomic shoulder-pad – the ComfortPad – which has been developed in close co-operation with physiotherapists and camera operators from around the world. The shoulder pad reduces the need for handheld camera operators to subconsciously lift their shoulders to level shots, reducing muscle tension, enabling the camera to be held for longer and ultimately preventing strain or injury.
Another key feature is ArtTouch, which significantly enhances the creative possibilities of the camera within live broadcast productions. ArtTouch provides users of the LDX Series with a new level of automated image processing, to achieve optimum camera performance
Control integration is dramatically improved with a PickMe button, which enables the cameramen to attract the director’s attention; an Endless Returns feature enables the user to choose their own return channel via a Grass Valley routing switcher; the Scene Direct function enables the recall of camera scene-files directly from a Grass Valley switcher; full remote control over all camera functions via any IP-link using Connect Gateway; and finally, DigiTally- the industry’s first all-digital remote Tally protocol over IP.
“This new generation of cameras has been developed with a strong focus on reducing operational costs, a major concern for many customers,” said Marcel Koutstaal, Senior Vice President of Cameras at Grass Valley. “Our portfolio of products allows smart links between various roles in the production process, saving time and money during every phase of the production. It’s our passion to offer solutions that enhance our customers’ creativity to a level even we couldn’t have imagined.”
The LDX WorldCam
The truly flexible multi-format camera system with an advanced feature set for the most demanding applications. With superior image sensitivity, this camera system provides 1080p production without the challenge of additional lighting requirements.
The LDX Elite
A multi-format camera system full of artistic features for high-end production in all the different 1.5G video formats, including 1080psf. It includes advanced ComfortPad ergonomics, and additional controls for gamma and depth of field.
The LDX Première
The high-performance economical dual format HD camera optimized for all basic broadcast applications, offering an outstanding cost performance.
Grass Valley is also announcing four new products to complete the first end-to-end Live Production workflow switchable to any of the current TV formats, up to and including 1080P/60, all integrated into the GV STRATUS Media Application Framework for the fast creation of efficient workflows and customized user interfaces.
Grass Valley has launched the LDX Series of camera systems. The LDX Series — initially consisting of the LDX Première, LDX Elite, and LDX WorldCam — signifies the next step in image acquisition.
With performance in 1080p50/60, full compatibility with Grass Valley’s line of 3G Transmission solutions and stunning 1080p/1080i/720p images, the LDX Series is the industry’s most advanced range of cameras. The LDX Series is based on three completely new, state-of-the-art, third-generation CMOS imagers – Grass Valley’s Xensium-FT. The LDX Series boasts an ergonomic design with time saving features such as improved color management and automated controls, allowing operators to concentrate on creativity.
Grass Valley also announces the launch of a new series of production switchers. A fully customizable range offering switchable support for any of the current TV formats up to and including 3G 1080p50/60.
This new software-based, modular approach facilitates simple upgradeability, more efficient operations, simplified production workflows, as well as easy configuration and setup using stored settings and macro automation. The switcher architecture enables customers to purchase only what they need, and then add features as required. It is also green – requiring 50% less power than competing products and features a built-in multi-viewer with capabilities similar to that already available in Trinix NXT routers.
Grass Valley has raised the bar in video server technology by today launching a new version of the industry standard K2 Summit. Fully supporting all TV formats including 1080p/60 and optional DNxHD codec for ingest, storage and playout, the new K2 Summit 3G also features peer to peer networking, enabling all content to be shared between channels across stand alone K2 Summits without a complex shared storage infrastructure.
Grass Valley has simplified and accelerated the process of creating live-action replays with the launch of the new K2 Dyno S Replay Controller, featuring more switcher-style buttons, a larger touchscreen display with gesturing, new panel styling that features ergonomic enhancements to reduce physical strain on the operator.
Quick and agile, and based on the new K2 Summit, the K2 Dyno S can handle all formats and is perfect for live broadcast and live-to-disk studio productions. Its small footprint, paired with a 2RU K2 Summit media server, allows for a lighter solution in weight-sensitive OB vans and a single controller can browse and control media across multiple channels.
GV STRATUS enables customers to connect various components within their facility into seamless workflows whilst simply creating customized user interfaces per job function. Ingest, metadata logging, editing and playout are amongst the many use cases to which GV STRATUS can bring phenomenal efficiencies.
Unlike other applications, with GV STRATUS the tool does not define the job, it’s the other way around; the job defines the tools required and specific user interfaces can easily be created for each role in a workflow.
The integration of K2 Summit, K2 Dyno S with GV STRATUS and EDIUS provide a highly efficient workflow with the capability to share content and metadata across different applications to record, mark, tag, log, edit, browse, replay and deliver content with easy-to-use interfaces. GV STRATUS increases productivity in any live or studio production environment.
“This is the most exciting IBC I have attended; we are showing the fruits of our last 18 months work since we became an independent company,” said Charlie Dunn, Executive Vice President of Products at Grass Valley. “We have refreshed our entire product range and can now show our full support for all the current TV resolutions, up to and including 1080P/60 from the new LDX camera to the new K2 Summit playout server, with full integration into our GV STRATUS Media Application Framework enabling our customers to build seamless and efficient workflows, as well as serve the requirements of the multi-platform world.”
With the introduction of the new version of the K2 Edge™ Smart Playout Center, Grass Valley can now provide the whole gamut of delivery and publishing solutions from traditional Master Control through to IT-centric server-based solutions, combining automation, replay, graphics, switching and branding.
The K2 Edge Smart Playout Center is a platform from which multiple quantities and variations of automated, integrated playout channels can be configured. It is the next evolution in delivery and publishing solutions with lower initial capital cost along with lower operating costs.
Combined with Grass Valley’s STRATUS for playout, the K2 Edge Smart Playout Center becomes a cost effective solution for ingest, preparation and branding of multiple channels of playout, including multi-screen delivery capability.
GlobeCast provides a portfolio of playout, content management and distribution solutions from its Media Centers to all major broadcast markets worldwide. In this context, GlobeCast plans to also provide playout services from its Paris facilities, servicing the entire EMEA region.
GlobeCast selected the Grass Valley K2 Edge Smart Playout Center solution to further strengthen its media management services as part of the company’s expanded offering which range from playout for start-up channels with looped content, to global content workflows with fully-managed operations and channel localization services.
“K2 Edge helps us meet the demands of our customers in the EMEA region,” says Philippe Rouxel, Chief Marketing Officer at GlobeCast. “It is crucial that we provide quality and innovative playout solutions to broadcasters, built upon future-proof technical platforms. We were searching for an integrated system that could do everything a channel needed, be it an existing or a new customer. Following a thorough study of available technology, the Grass Valley K2 Edge Smart Playout Center solution appeals to GlobeCast as an easy-to-use, flexible and scalable platform for our new GlobeCast “Studio Playout” solution.”
“Our solution offers GlobeCast the scalability and flexibility needed to meet the growing demands of its customers,” said Françoise Semin, Vice President for Southern Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Grass Valley. “Customers like GlobeCast want solutions that provide efficiencies and savings, yet at the same time ensure a high-quality output. The K2 Edge system is ideal, providing smaller or newer entrants with a simpler, more cost effective solution than traditional automation, but still scalable to larger multi-channel systems.”
K2 Edge is a file-based, integrated playout solution featuring K2 TX/MAM media asset management and Grass Valley Cobalt playlist software. The K2 Edge system offers a robust and proven Linux-based, multi-platform playout solution that includes built-in graphics and subtitling capabilities. One of the principal innovations in the K2 Edge Smart Playout Center is Channel Composer, a new approach to creating the look for any channel. Channel Composer allows users to define, develop and test the branding of a channel at the point of creation and to customize promos and other spots according to editorial and business rules. This approach eliminates a lot of time and costs in the edit suite and reduces the amount of inventory to be managed in any facility. The installation at GlobeCast provides a high availability infrastructure for mission-critical 24/7 playout applications with highly scalable architecture.