Vatican TV steps up to live 4K UHD broadcasting with Fujinon and Sony

Every year Centro Televisivo Vaticano (CTV) conducts around 130 live broadcasts of events inside the Vatican. In addition there are live broadcasts associated with the Holy Father’s trips in Italy and abroad. On 8 December CTV produced the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, a major event in the Catholic Church commencing with the Feast of Immaculate Conception and the opening of the ‘Holy Door’ (porta sancta). All four Papal Basilicas in Rome have such a holy door.

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The opening ceremony from the St. Peters Basilica was broadcast live to a global audience; the ceremony was covered by eight Sony HDC-4300 cameras in combination with a total of eight 4K UHD Fujinon lenses (3x) UA80x9 (9-1440mm) and (5x) UA22x8 (8-352mm) lenses positioned in and around St. Peters Basilica. In addition, to seven Sony F-55 cameras with PL-mount 4K Fujinon ZK-Series lenses (range up to 300mm).

CTV Technical Director Stefano D’Agostini (pictured, left, at IBC2015) said: “After closely following technological advancements in recent years, CTV decided that it was time to upgrade its outside broadcast acquisition infrastructure to the new 4K UHD format in light of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.  Our target is to provide the best viewing experience to our global audience.

“This can only be achieved with cutting edge acquisition technology. That’s why CTV selected 4K 2/3” Sony HDC-4300 cameras and 4K Fujinon UA80x9 & UA22x8 lenses which have a very high dynamic range (HDR) which contributes to the desired look and image purity which is essential in 4K HDR broadcast productions.”

Djamel Djadi, Regional Sales Manager- Fujifilm (pictured right) stated: “We feel honoured to have been part of this prestigious project. The cooperation with CTV and Sony Italy was more than excellent. As we delivered the most advanced optical technology with the most attractive after sales-service package.”