Philips to showcase new HDTV camera at IBC
Among the highlights is the European introduction of a new 2/3-inch portable HDTV cameras in the Philips LDK range. Designed for digital cinematography, the LDK 7000HD features native switchable sensors of 9.2 million pixels each, supporting native 1080p24/25/30 Hz and 720p50 in a single camera, in both 16:9 and film aspect ratios up to 2,67:1. Based on the same technology, the LDK 6000HD supports the main HDTV broadcast formats 1080i and 720p as native formats. These products are dockable with either Philips' TriaxHD transmission system using standard triax cable or a small cost-effective multi-purpose adapter.
Cameras
In addition, Philips will again show the LDK 200 portable Triax camera as the successor of the LDK 20PS portable camera. Weighing only 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs), the LDK 200 is the lightest camera of its kind. The camera incorporates a rotary triax connector, (optional) handgrip zoom control, three layers of remotely controllable filters and full support for TFT teleprompters and can be used for both studio as well as outside broadcast applications. Since its launch at NAB2000, Philips says a "significant number" of orders have been received for the LDK 200.
Recorders
Also at the show, Philips is introducing the new Data Processing Unit of its HD/DTV uncompressed D6 Voodoo Media Recorder. The recorder features speeds up to 70 Mbytes per second (6 frames/sec in 2K). Also featured is the new Scream Noise and Grain Reducer, which operates in 2K resolution and in real-time. It interfaces internally with the 2K processing paths of the Spirit/Specter DataCine and the new Shadow TeleCine and can therefore be applied to all required output formats. Designed by the Spirit DataCine engineering team, Shadow has accumulated 14 orders since its introduction at this year's NAB convention.
Production Switchers
Philips will be featuring several new production switchers that are also being used at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, for which the last preparations run in parallel with the IBC. Philips DD35 and DD10 switchers will be deployed at major venues throughout the games. The largest of the family, the DD35-4, will be installed in one of the stadium control rooms, while a total of twelve DD35 switchers will be located in the same broadcasting area to cover a number of main events.
In addition at IBC, Philips is introducing in Europe the Seraph HD35 high-definition mainframe for high-end live and postproduction. The format-selectable 1.5 Gbit/s production switcher mainframe features up to 4 Mix/Effect (M/E) banks and 90 inputs. With this extension the DD35 range will now be capable of simultaneous high- and standard-definition television production, under the control of a single control panel.
Also to be shown is the most recent additions to the range of DD35 control panels – the RSAT2 remote satellite control panel and the DD35-2S compact 2-Mix/Effect bank control panel. The DD35-2S panel is for those applications, where action-packed live production has to be done in tight spaces, such as smaller OB vans. The RSAT2 is a small multi-function panel to which control of any available function on the switcher can be delegated, up to full control of one Mix/Effect bank. It can be used as an on-stage rehearsal panel, in an edit suite or for a secondary program feed.
Routers
Philips will also be showing its CleverCast Router line, the first fully integrated satellite digital video broadcast unicast and multicast router available to the industry. The CleverCast Router supports an unlimited number of multicast users and multiple concurrent users with high-speed Internet access. The new router targets Internet unicasting and multicasting via satellite.
Philips Media Network Management system, NetCaptain, will also be shown. NetCaptain extends the functionality of Philips' Jupiter and Vulcan routing control systems to support Web-based applications and centralized control over wide area networks. The system provides homogeneous control and monitoring for companies that offer video transport services. It also provides software to manage, control and view broadcast content from remote locations.
Transmission and Networking
Philips' Virtual CrossPoint audio routing switcher will make its European debut at the show, the first of its kind based on standard ATM open architecture. The new switcher, known as Dune, is the first of its kind based on standard ATM open architecture and accepts both analog and AES inputs and outputs. Its optically distributed I/O architecture can extend up to 500 meters. The router also combines modularity with very large capacity (up to 2048 x 2048) and advanced audio manipulation digital signal processing.
MPEG-4
Philips will demonstrate its first end-to-end MPEG-4 product, as well as its first MPEG-4 secure e-commerce end-to-end streaming chain, extensions of MPEG-4 for interactive applications, and the implementation of MPEG-4 reception in Philips set-top boxes. Philips will also set up a 'partnership' pavilion featuring application developers who will demonstrate how they have partnered with Philips. In addition, emerging applications based on Philips' extensive R&D efforts will be demonstrated.
Internet
Officially launched at NAB2000 in April, Philips is showing the latest version of its Internet Conditional Access System (INCAS) to add to its portfolio of CA systems for pay-TV and Internet, and associated e-commerce applications. INCAS is a CA system that protects content distributed through the Internet, whether being streamed or downloaded, by encryption and by managing the decryption keys according to the access rights agreed between the (potential) user and the material owner.
Copy protection
Having demonstrated its WaterCast watermarking technology for the first time at last year's IBC and again at NAB2000 with an evaluation kit, Philips will launch its first commercial WaterCast products at IBC2000. The WaterCast range comprises watermarking embedders that add a program or (news) clip-specific identifier to the video signal at the time of production or transmission. Then, with a WaterCast detector, the identifier can be retrieved and used for copyright verification, monitoring or other purposes.
Philips will also have a Customer Support area on the stand where the Service Pit-stop membership program will be demonstrated. This program ensures optimal condition of equipment and on-site support for customers during major televised events, such as soccer championships and the Olympic games. Via the membership program, customers can subscribe for access and service priority to maintenance, repair, equipment loan and spare parts.
Philips will be in Stand 8.170.
Edited by Tom Butts