Press release
Sony is adding a new level of wireless connectivity to its range of professional camcorders. The new wireless adapter, model CBK-WA100, is designed to enable easy transmission over a network and efficient remote Wi-Fi operation. The adapter connects directly to a camera and allows proxy files created on the SD card in the adapter and high-resolution source files to be transmitted via 3G/4G/LTE/Wi-Fi* to a broadcast station, or uploaded to a server-based cloud environment, significantly accelerating the ENG workflow. With the rapid evolution of IT technology, the changing nature of modern ENG/EFP requires enhanced capabilities, retaining picture quality, higher speed transfer, ease of use and affordability. The adapter fulfills these requirements making use of wireless connectivity and enabling new workflows.
Using Wi-Fi transmission, the adapter is also compatible with Sony’s Content Browser Mobile application, available for tablets and smartphones (Android and iOS). This connectivity between mobile devices and XDCAM camcorders allows users to update metadata on-site, review footage using a mobile device without having to connect a monitor to a camcorder, and remotely control camcorder functions. These abilities also facilitate auto ingest at broadcast stations as well as easy search and preview of related metadata — such as shooting date, time, place or notes etc. – and proxy AV data.
“Wireless connectivity is critical for streamlined production between the field and studio,” said Anthony Kable, Senior Product Manager, Ausralia and New Zealand. “Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are now commonly used across many professional applications, including ENG and EFP. Combining these wireless capabilities in a single device ensures that customers have the most advanced workflows readily available.”
The adapter is compatible with Sony’s full range of XDCAM camcorders and field gear, such as PMW-500/400/300/200/150/50 models. It also works with any products that have an HD-SDI output such as PDW-F800/700/680 and XDCAM EX models. For Sony’s new PMW-400 shoulder-mount camcorder, a special version (model CBK-WA101) is exclusively available enabling one-action attachment/detachment of the adapter.
For production, the adapter enables modern workflows transmitting dailies from a field location, monitoring recorded images quickly on-site, remotely sharing edited work on a cloud platform and more.
Also announced is a new optional battery, the BP-U60T, for XDCAM handy type camcorders such as the PMW-300/200/150 and PMW-50 field gear. The BP-U60T can supply power to both a camcorder and the wireless adapter via its output cable.
The new wireless adapter, CBK-WA100, is planned to be available in October 2013, while the PMW-400 exclusive model CBK-WA101 is planned to be available in November 2013.
* For wireless transmission, Wi-Fi/3G/4G/LTE dongles are necessary. For Wi-Fi dongle, Sony’s “IFU-WLM3”, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi dongle is available. For 3G/4G/LTE dongle recommended models differ by country depending on carrier.