Sony continues to aggressively develop efficient, file-based wireless workflows to support the rapid response requirements of news production. Sony’s offerings include camcorders with built-in wireless capabilities, and wireless adapters that can relay video and audio directly from field locations via 4G/LTE and Wi-Fi networks.
“We want to make high quality live streaming easy and cost-effective with our new wireless solutions,” said Nick Buchner, Senior Product Manager, Content Creation for Sony Australia and New Zealand. “As news or production cycles get shorter and wireless network coverage gets broader, we want to provide broadcasters with the right tools that can smoothly transmit audio and video from on-location shoots. They shouldn’t have to overhaul their entire infrastructures, and this solution must be scalable.”
Sony’s new PWS-100RX1 Network RX Station serves as a core component of solutions that deliver efficient, low-cost and high-quality live streaming.
The PWS-100RX1 is compatible with XDCAM camcorders currently used by broadcasters throughout the world, and is very simple to connect and set up. The compatibility means that broadcasters can continue using their XDCAM assets while gradually migrating to wireless workflows. For operational flexibility, the PWS-100RX1 is equipped with SDI outputs for concurrent dual video streams. Systems can also be easily extended by adding more PWS-100RX1 units, allowing for multi-site broadcasts and greater input/output loads.
By eliminating prohibitive cost and resource constraints, the PWS-100RX1 opens up many new opportunities for live streams used in various types of TV production.
The PWS-100RX1 network RX system comes with pre-installed Connection Control Manager software which enables easy connection to camcorders as well as routing to SDI outputs, and it delivers efficient handling of live video streams received via 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi and wired connections. Connection Control Manager features a comprehensive GUI that can be used to view thumbnails from multiple camcorders; to control camcorder connections, transmission bit rates and latency settings; to monitor output from multiple PWS-100RX1 units, and more.
The unit includes reference signal and timecode input connectors which enable synchronised operation with broadcast systems. In addition, it can output in a variety of broadcast formats – including 1080i and 720p.
Sony is also developing a version upgrade for receiving video files that will enhance workflow efficiency for program productions and is targeted for release in the second half of 2015.
• Sony’s Unique QoS Technology
Packet loss during streaming can degrade image quality and cause images to freeze or disrupt the audio. This can be minimised by Sony’s unique QoS (Quality of Service) technology, which helps to maintain video and audio integrity during transmissions.
The PWS-100RX1 comes with original Sony algorithms that automatically adjust bandwidths and buffer sizes to match the characteristics of the wireless transmission. Users can be confident of high-quality streaming without concerning themselves with bandwidth settings and other technical issues.
The PWS-100RX1 includes these features of Sony’s QoS Technology:
• Real-time ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request)
• Adaptive Rate Control (ARC)
• Forward Error Correction (FEC)
• Cost Efficient Live Streaming for Many Programs
Sony’s wireless streaming solutions can be implemented starting with a camcorder, a 4G/LTE or Wi-Fi dongle and a network RX Station, PWS-100RX1, located at the broadcast station and the SNG/OB vans. Such cost efficient solutions will enable many live streaming opportunities for the production of various programs, including on-location news and more.
• Wireless Adapters Support Live Streaming
Sony’s CBK-WA100 and CBK-WA101 wireless adapters are scheduled for a firmware upgrade in June 2015 which will add live streaming capabilities when used together with the PWS-100RX1.
CBK-WA100
• Growing Line-up of Camcorders with Built-in Wireless Capability
Sony’s PXW-X180(*1), PXW-X200(*2), and PXW-X500(*3) camcorders are already equipped with built-in wireless capability, and forthcoming version upgrades will enable live streaming capabilities. Operators will be able to check the status of PWS-100RX1 connections directly from the camcorders’ viewfinders for more efficient operation.
(*1) Upgrade scheduled for second half of 2015
(*2) Upgrade scheduled for June 2015　
(*3) Upgrade scheduled for second half of 2015