More K at IBC

As with any major trade show event today, from NAB to BIRTV, to Caper, we expect to be regaled with a broad range of products, new technologies and announcements about sales ‘wins’. But the clear winning technology at this year’s IBC was higher resolution cameras and displays, or as we can call it “More K.” True, some of these products had been seen at the recent NAB show, but IBC saw additional models and firmer delivery plans revealed for all. And, a good deal of excitement centered on the higher resolution revolution.

Yes, there are lots of channel-in-a-box offerings, seemingly thousands of storage systems, marketed like fries at a fast food restaurant, and the requisite 60 brands of servers to be seen, as well as halls in which you could vacation undisturbed by crowds – very thoughtful really – and even a beach area complete with bikini clad sun worshippers and a volleyball court.

There were also several companies who had announced pending divestitures or mergers prior to the convention, but that news, despite unending speculation, never materialised.

 

3D fades to black

Like the 2012 NAB show before it, IBC was equally remarkable with the virtual disappearance of 3D products from the show, save the focus on glasses-free 3D displays, of which there were several.

Basically, 3D is just so ‘yesterday.’ It isn’t that there aren’t many films being shot in or done for 3D release, and a certain number of episodic series, or sports channels, but between renting the gear and re-purposing of HD cameras and camcorders (with rigs and processors), the market has already begun to see 3D as a charming, if outmoded, application for 4K. Judging by the totally unenthusiastic presentation of 3D this year we can only surmise in Andy Warhol’s phrase, its “fifteen minutes of fame” is over.

 

Lots of Ks

There was a veritable blizzard of 4K, 8K and related offerings ranging from 35mm or 4/3-inch sensors to large screen display monitors from 26 inches to over 80 inches. One HD and 4K brand that requested to keep their name under wraps regarding futuristic developments, speaking on condition of anonymity, has already been working on a 12K camera and is building a 24K one. The 24K model is seen as a potentially monochrome-only use where extreme detail is sought.

NHK, the public broadcaster in Japan, featured a technology showcase from its labs of its developments in and plans for 8K. Its best exemplar was an 82 inch display (they had several on view) with footage from the Olympics and other clips. The clips were astounding, although there appears to be room for improvement in motion sequences, with some artifacts visible. Sony showed its 4K displays and specifically, a display with a live feed from a French Riviera site. Those pictures were just as awesome as the NHK 8K ones.

BlackMagic who snared lots of attention at the NAB Show with its surprise introduction of a USD 2,999 4K camera, showed a new MFT model – at the same price – with an adapter that allows for mounting of prime lenses, of various brands, a very appealing feature in today’s market.  There were several new 4K monitor models from TVLogic, including one evaluation grade.

Canon showed its 4K D-SLR and cinema camera, the C500. Additionally, it showed matching prime lenses for its 4K cameras. Sony’s 4K monitors including an 80-inch model with live feed, were among its show hits as well as its FS700 4K upgraded XDCAM model.

Panasonic showed AVC Ultra with 4K ability. ARRI concentrated on 4K Raw abilities. RED showed its 5K solution. AJA demonstrated its Corvid Ultra that is compatible with many of the leading 4K cameras. Of course, there were many others offering new 4K-compatible products, further reinforcing the obvious trend towards higher resolution that seems to have gained real traction.