France Télévisions specifies Panasonic for major studio camera upgrade

France Télévisions has announced that it is set to install many Panasonic UHD cameras in a two-year upgrade of its digital studios and OB Vans throughout France. Once the project is complete, the broadcaster will have taken delivery of more than 100 Panasonic AK-UC3000 studio cameras.

The French state-owned public service broadcaster selected Panasonic following a competitive tender which included extensive trials of UHD studio cameras.

“The competition to meet France Télévisions advanced specifications was intense,” said Andre Meterian, director of Panasonic Broadcast & ProAV. “They chose Panasonic based on the quality of our cameras, which following a thorough review were judged to provide the greatest overall value for money.

“We have been working with them over the last couple of years to install nearly 300 remote cameras within their regional stations, so for them to show additional confidence in our 4K studio camera lineup is very satisfying. Key to the decision was that our solution allowed France Télévisions to migrate to 4K directly, as opposed to an upgradable HD-based solution.”

The framework also includes pricing for the following Panasonic studio system products: the 4K multi-purpose AK-UB300 box camera, the AK-UCU500 and AK-UCU600 Camera Control Units, the AK-HRP1000 Remote Operation Panel, the AK-HVF100 colour viewfinder, and AK-HBU500 camera build-up unit.

It is anticipated that the cameras system will see use within large events and sports, which are increasingly being shot in UHD and HDR. Up to 16 cameras can be connected simultaneously to a single OB van, including the flagship 4K studio camera, the UC3000.

The first deliveries are expected within the next two months.