RAI buys multiple Hitachi camera chains

Italy: RAI Television Corporation of Italy has selected Hitachi’s HD television cameras to upgrade its digital studios and facilities throughout Italy. By the completion of the project, RAI will have taken delivery of more than 150 Hitachi SK-HD1000 studio and EFP cameras.

RAI selected Hitachi after conducting extensive trials of all leading brands of high-end HD studio cameras. The Hitachi cameras were chosen for their high quality, efficiency, and price performance and will integrate via fiber and triax communications as well as with wireless systems. More than 150 camera chains will be used as RAI upgrades its studio and OB operations to HD.

“We are honored to be selected as partner to RAI, and are delighted to have been awarded this contract with the tremendous efforts of our Italian representative, CVE, which will provide comprehensive technical support from its offices in Milan and Rome. The competition to meet RAI’s advanced specifications was intense and we look forward to successfully delivering leading-edge camera systems, based on the latest proven technological developments in HD,” said Masahiko Kato, GM of Hitachi Kokusai’s Global Business Division.

Hitachi SK-HD cameras are billed as the first truly flexible dockable HD TV cameras that allow multiple configurations thanks to their fiber optic, digital triax cable, and wireless transmission adapters. The SK-HD range offers the choice of native 1080i or 720p CCD options. The SK-HD1000 camera is complemented by a range of accessories including a full studio adapter that enables the use of both hanger-type and bayonet-type lenses without removing the camera from the adapter, an easy-to-use camera control unit, and a digital triax system.