IBC2013 Profile: Kieran Magee, director of professional imaging, Canon

4K was a major focus for Canon at both IBC2012 and NAB2013. To what extent have these showcases translated into genuine expressions of interest — and, more to the point, sales — in the global broadcast community?
Since last year’s IBC, we’ve been working with broadcast and production companies across the globe to help them understand how our range of 4K products can improve their business.

In recent months, a number of European broadcasters have successfully deployed our flagship Cinema EOS C500 camera to test-shoot 4K at major live sporting events — delivering exceptional video results in 4K resolution to outside-broadcast (OB) trucks through advancements in cable and fibre utilisation.

Beyond the broadcast community, colourists and editors from the postproduction industry have also begun to discover the potential benefits of Canon’s 4K workflow — which includes the capture, render, and cropping of 4K broadcast footage, all of which can now be viewed on Canon 4K reference displays.

Opinion is divided when it comes to the timescale over which 4K is likely to have a real impact on the sports-viewing public. What is Canon’s take on this?
Canon is at the forefront of developing 4K imaging solutions for live events and works closely with broadcasters to understand their needs.

Recent test shoots at sporting events in France and Russia, utilising the flagship Canon Cinema EOS C500 camera equipped with our CN-E30-300mm Cinema zoom lens, show our commitment to 4K. And, as our customers’ use and understanding of 4K in live broadcasting grows, we will continue to design and deliver new lenses and camera solutions to meet their needs.

In addition, before end-to-end 4K live productions are publicly broadcast, 4K imaging will play an important part in HD live productions. We demonstrated the successful integration of 4K into HD at NAB this year and will continue 4K testing and development.

What you can tell us about your plans for IBC2013?
Canon will be offering our largest-ever presence at IBC2013, showcasing the wide range of Canon video, optical, and imaging products.

This year, we will use the show to share our technology, introduce products to the broadcast and production markets, and support new and existing customers with information, demonstrations, and advice.

IBC will be a 4K show this year, so our focus will be very much around enhancing creativity through advanced 4K optical technology, cameras including Cinema EOS, video displays, and 4K workflow solutions for live and recorded productions.