Ikegami’s Middle East office, located in Dubai, assisted in the decision-making by providing consultation support and product demonstrations.
Italian broadcast systems integrator, Aret Video & Audio Engineering has chosen Ikegami’s UHK-430 and HDK-99 cameras for a recently completed 4K OB vehicle. The vehicle was commissioned in time to cover Qatar’s National Day festivities.
Ikegami’s UHK-430 is a 4K-native camera system with simultaneous HDR/SDR processing. Its three 2/3-inch CMOS sensors provide full 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution plus the depth of field needed for studio and outdoor production. The camera is equipped with a B4 bayonet mount compatible with 2/3-inch broadcast lenses. An optional SE-U430 expander accommodates large studio or OB lenses.
An integrated Ikegami AXII processor promises to enable the UHK-430 to deliver 40 gigabit/s uncompressed full bandwidth video transmission plus a wide range of features including 16-axis colour correction and focus-assist for 4K and HD video modes. An optional Media over IP module for the CCU-430 allows 4K UHD video plus additional signals such as intercom and return-video feeds to be exchanged between the CCU-430 and a local IP network hub over a lightweight optical fibre instead of requiring multiple SDI cables, allowing low latency signal distribution. In its standard form, the UHK-430 weighs just 4.6 kg. Dimensions are 149 mm wide x 243 mm high x 340 mm front-to-back.
The Ikegami HDK-99 is a 3G-capable docking-style camera for portable and studio applications. It employs three 2.6-megapixel 2/3-inch CMOS image sensors delivering high picture quality in HDR at 1920 x 1080 resolution with progressive-scan. Like the UHK-430, the HDK-99 has an integrated Ikegami AXII processor. A lens aberration correction function minimises resolution loss and coloured edging caused mainly by optical lens deviation. Quick EZ Focus Assist enhances the viewfinder signal, enabling the camera operator to make critical focus adjustments. The area size, area colour, edge colour and display time on the viewfinder are all adjustable from the camera menu.
Commenting on the choice, Aret’s Vice President Alessandro Asti said: “The Ikegami cameras were selected both for their high signal quality and for the proven excellence of Ikegami post-sale support. Eight UHK-430 models have been purchased plus two docking-style HDK-99. All 10 cameras can be tripod or pedestal mounted to achieve steady long-zoom closeup capture of fast-moving action while retaining the freedom to operate in free-style over-the-shoulder mode. The HDK-99 can be configured to feed directly from the camera control unit into any 4K periphery.”
Abdul Ghani, General Manager – Ikegami Middle East, said: “Our excellent relationship with the customer helped us to win this project. We also provided full on-site staff training with the new system followed by on-site first-level support to ensure flawless live coverage of the Qatari National Day.”
Asim Saeed, Business Development Manager – Ikegami Middle East, remarked: ”Ikegami observers were present to offer assistance over multiple days during the ongoing festivities. All the equipment worked perfectly and the production went flawlessly.”
