With the rising demand for ultra high definition 8K imagery, the broadcast world is sprinting its way to super Hi-Vision solutions. It means that a lot of 8K goodies are going to be presented at NAB 2019, like the Ikegami SHK-810 8K ultra high-definition television (UHDTV) portable camera, Hitachi 8K broadcast camera and more. Try these toys by yourself at the upcoming NAB.
8K need: Sharp images on 85-inch TVs
8K broadcasting offers 16 times more image detail than HD and delivers very sharp images on screen sizes of 85 inches or more. Furthermore, the demand for 8K content is expected to be elevated and be maximally utilized at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Ikegami SHK-810 8K Ultra High-Definition Television Portable Camera
The Ikegami SHK-810 was (and still is) developed in collaboration with Japan Broadcast Corporation (NHK), which is a Japanese broadcasting network that specializes in 8K broadcasting. The compact lightweight SHK-810 employs a 33 million pixel Super 35mm CMOS sensor with PL lens mount, achieving a limiting horizontal resolution of 4000 TV lines. The SHK-810 provides 8K, 4K, and 2K output. It can be used in a fully 8K production environment or alongside 4K and/or 2K cameras. Regular PL-mount lenses can be used as well.
The SHK-810 provides 8K, 4K, and 2K output. It can be used in a fully 8K production environment or alongside 4K and/or 2K cameras
NHK: The leader of 8K Super Hi-Vision broadcasting
NHK is Japan’s national public broadcasting organization, which is specialized in developing and implementing 8K broadcast solutions. NHK operates two terrestrial television channels (NHK General TV and NHK Educational TV), four satellite television channels (NHK BS 1 and NHK BS Premium, as well as two ultra-high-definition television channels; NHK BS 4K and NHK BS 8K).
HK is one of the world’s leading research companies in regard to 8K acquisitions. For example, NHK has worked with Hitachi since 2006 to develop the WORLD’S FIRST 8K camera, which is the SKUHD8000 Series 8K (SHV) Studio, Field Production Camera.
NHK owns a research division that is dedicated to developing super Hi-Vision (ultra high resolution) technologies, from production equipment such as cameras and microphones to broadcasting systems through which programs will be delivered. NHK is one of the world’s leading research companies in regard to 8K acquisitions. For example, NHK has worked with Hitachi since 2006 to develop the WORLD’S FIRST 8K camera, which is the SKUHD8000 Series 8K (SHV) Studio, Field Production Camera. The Hitachi 8K studio camera is in its 4th generation and is being used on 8K live productions. The first generation was presented at NAB 2015 and was able to shoot 8K video. The SKUHD8060 uses cinetype PL mount lenses and has onboard recording capability, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Color Gamut (WCG) conform to Japan’s broadcast standards.
The history of 8K broadcasting
The first 8K video derived from an 8K Super Hi-Vision camera was presented at IBC 2014. The actual 8K broadcasting has started in 2018. Today the 8K super high vision broadcasting is done by the Ikegami SHK-810. Ikegami is a well known Japanese manufacturer of professional and broadcast television equipment, especially professional video cameras, both for electronic news gathering and studio use.
The first 8K video derived from an 8K Super Hi-Vision camera was presented at IBC 2014. The actual 8K broadcasting has started in 2018.
The future of 8K broadcasting derived by Japanese obsession
The outlook of 8K broadcasting is promising and expected to be accelerated even more. The Japanese are aiming for the Olympic (literally) however it’s a Japanese unexplainable obsession. Buying an 8K TV does not consider as the smartest decision from a consumer point of view.
8K broadcasting needs correct infrastructure backed with dedicated tools and research. We are still not ready to utilize this technology. Do you agree/disagree? Let’s know in the comments section below!
