Leader responds to increased demand for HD-HDR production with Zen series
Leader’s LV5600 4K HDR test instrument
Leader Electronics has identified an accelerating transition to high-definition high-dynamic-range production across the broadcast industry with the majority of television networks holding back from introducing 4K-UHD services.
“ATSC 3.0 looks set to be a key theme of the 2022 NAB Show given the very large number of 4K-UHD TV sets now in consumer ownership,” said Kevin Salvidge, Leader Europe’s sales engineering manager. “4K-UHD is very much part of that standard but relatively few terrestrial or satellite broadcasters have yet committed to transmitting in that resolution, let alone in 4K-UHD HDR.
“Broadcasters have long been concerned that the 55in average size of domestic TV displays does not offer the full benefit of 4K-UHD resolution. Couple this with the increased infrastructure required to support 4K-UHD production and it becomes obvious why broadcasters are struggling to justify 4K-UHD transmission.
“The feedback we are experiencing from across the industry, particularly the sports OB sector, is that many TV networks are now seriously considering HD-HDR as the way forward. Most consumer 4K-UHD television displays incorporate high-quality upconverters which perform well from HD source content. Originating in HD-HDR adds enormously to the viewing experience, whether seen in its native resolution or on a 4K-HDR TV display. HD-HDR can be handled in a broadcast facility using existing 3G-SDI infrastructure.”
All test instruments in Leader’s Zen series come as standard with the tools needed for HD-HDR signal analysis. 4K/UHDTV (SER28) and HDR (SER23) tools can be activated at any time in the future by purchasing a software licence key. The SER23 HDR Analysis license supports HLG, PQ (SMPTE 2084), S-Log-3, C-Log and Log-C analysis. The LV5600 and LV7600 can simultaneously display multiple HDR transfer characters in HD, which is essential for live production.
Leader’s LV5600 is a mains-powered SDI/IP waveform monitor in a half-rack width 3U desktop chassis with a touchscreen front panel display. It provides the facilities needed to monitor SDI as well as video-over-IP signals seamlessly in a hybrid operating environment. Engineering-related features include test pattern generation, eye pattern display, closed-caption monitoring, CIE chroma chart, HDR measurement, focus assist, customisable screen layout, tally interface, 4K/UHD operation, 10G IP input and 12G-SDI interfaces. SMPTE 2022-6, SMPTE 2022-7 and SMPTE 2110 protocols are all supported. The LV7600 rasterising waveform monitor offers the same capabilities as the LV5600 but in a low-profile 19in 1U form-factor for easy rack or desk mounting.