Grass Valley intros LDX camera series

The new Grass Valley LDX camera series embodies a new corporate philosophy that embraces software-based upgrades.

Grass Valley’s IBC stand is highlighted by a number of product announcements, including a new line of cameras, new vision mixers, and enhancements to the K2 Summit server and K2 Dyno replay controller.

The new products are led by the LDX Series of camera systems. The three new models  embrace a new Grass Valley philosophy of making products that are upgradeable via software updates, providing an easy-to-follow path for future needs. The lineup currently comprises the WorldCam, Elite, and Premiere models.

“This new generation of cameras has been developed with a strong focus on reducing operational costs, a major concern for many customers,” said Marcel Koutstaal, senior vice president of cameras at Grass Valley. “Our portfolio of products allows smart links between various roles in the production process, saving time and money during every phase of the production. It’s our passion to offer solutions that enhance our customers’ creativity to a level even we couldn’t have imagined.”

Among the technical highlights of the LDX series are new Xensium-FT COMS sensors that deliver low-light performance that is one full f-stop below competing 1080p/50 cameras. That gives operators the ability to shoot in lighting conditions that are only half as good as competing products. The LDX Series also boasts an ergonomic design with such time-saving features as improved color management and automated controls, allowing operators to concentrate on creativity.

Also new is a truly ergonomic shoulder pad, the ComfortPad, which has been developed in close cooperation with physiotherapists and camera operators from around the world. The shoulder pad reduces the need for handheld operators to subconsciously lift their shoulders to level shots, reducing muscle tension, enabling the camera to be held for longer and ultimately preventing strain or injury.

Another key feature, according to Grass Valley, is ArtTouch, which significantly enhances the creative possibilities of the camera within live broadcast productions. ArtTouch provides users of the LDX Series with a new level of automated image processing for optimum camera performance.

Control integration is dramatically improved with a “PickMe” button that allows the camera operator to attract the director’s attention; an Endless Returns feature that enables users to choose their own return channel via a Grass Valley routing switcher; the Scene Direct function, which enables the recall of camera scene files directly from a Grass Valley switcher; full remote control over all camera functions via IP link using Connect Gateway; and  DigiTally, the industry’s first all-digital remote tally protocol over IP.

The new video mixers include the Karrera and Kayenne series that support 1080p/50 and 60-fps productions via 3G. Both mixers take a software-based, modular approach to facilitate simple upgradeability and workflows with features able to be added as required. Grass Valley also says the mixers require 50% less power than competing systems and are shipped with built-in multiviewer capabilities.

And those looking for server solutions have a new option in the K2 Summit 3G media server, which supports 1080p/60, DNxHD at 145 and 220 Mbps, and peer-to-peer networking enabling all content to be shared between channels without the need for shared-storage infrastructures.

And the K2 Dyno Replay controller has been given a refresh with a larger touchscreen display and the ability to browse content on multiple K2 servers.