Hitachi 8K cameras set for NAB debut

In preparation for 2016 UHD and Super-High Vision broadcast tests in Asia, Hitachi will unveil a glimpse of its second-generation studio and field production Super-High Vision cameras to the Americas. Visitors to the Hitachi booth will be able to see a complete demonstration of the new SK-UH8060, which offers 16 times the amount of picture information as HDTV.

The Hitachi SK-UHD8060 is the latest collaboration with NHK STRL (Science and Technology Research Laboratories). In addition to working closely to develop UHD (4K) and SHV (8K) television cameras, the relationship has produced the world’s first three-sensor, full-resolution Super-High Vision 60Hz and 120Hz progressive scan cameras in 2008.

“8K broadcasting is on the verge of becoming a reality, and it will undoubtedly become the mainstream past 2020,” said Sean Moran, the company’s COO and vice-president of sales and operations. “Broadcasters and production companies have differing agendas when it comes to acquiring imaging technology. Taking into account that the content distribution and profit opportunities are quickly changing, the new TV industry players will benefit from HITACHI’s advanced 4K and 8K production equipment, preparing our customers to deliver content with these new advanced imaging formats as they transition other elements of their production workflow.”

The SK-UHD8060 Series, which represents the second-generation of Super-High Vision cameras, delivers the form, features and functions needed for successful 8K television broadcast programme production. The modular chassis camera concept simplifies and accelerates configuration for studio (fixed) or portable (stabilised camera) applications, while a large 12-inch viewfinder as well as high-resolution portable is offered. Signal recording can be achieved with a coupled digital recorder, and a SMPTE304/311 type hybrid cable system is used to tether the camera head from its control unit.