Grass Valley Show Their Extended DR Giving 15 Stops Of Latitude
Posted on Sep 15, 2015 by Julian Mitchell
Many professionals are taking a closer look at high dynamic range (HDR) technology as a more immediate and significant solution for delivering the most realistic and vibrant HD or 4K content possible to their viewers. At IBC 2015, Grass Valley is unveiling its new Extended Dynamic Range (XDR) software upgrade option for all LDX 86 series cameras working in single-speed formats (HD/3G/4K).
The option will give the cameras a dynamic range of 15 f-stops. XDR benefits live productions, with the ability to capture action in extreme lighting conditions and shadow without compromise, and recorded productions where a colourist has a much more precise light palette to work from—helping to tell a more visually engaging story. The XDR option is available through Grass Valley’s perpetual GV-eLicense software upgrade path.
“XDR is an exciting new option for our LDX 86 series cameras that will help our customers continue to deliver stunning imagery for any type of production,” said Mike Cronk, senior vice president of strategic marketing, Grass Valley. “It’s not just about higher resolution, but the quality and depth of each individual pixel as well. With XDR support in our LDX 86 series cameras, our customers’ can be ‘Future-Ready’ to deliver incredible imagery, even as UHD and high dynamic range programming moves to the mainstream.”
XDR sets a new standard for compelling image acquisition with the highest dynamic range available to the industry. In addition to lifelike highlights and better colour rendition in low-lit areas, XDR enhances the effective resolution of highlights, which can be seen easily from large viewing distances. Rental houses, studios, truck companies and other facility providers will be able to take advantage of this enhanced image capability—even telenovelas and sitcoms will have a new look with XDR, capturing more life-like scenes without additional efforts.
To achieve XDR operation, the camera must be equipped with an XF Fiber transmission system to deliver XDR outputs as well as simultaneous standard dynamic range (SDR) outputs in parallel. Several parameters of both signals can be adjusted independently from each other to achieve the best possible results for both signals, at the same time, with no need to change out equipment.
“The LDX 86 series with the XDR option represents the first true HDR camera system for broadcast applications and the first 2/3-inch camera system with available high dynamic range for HD and 4K,” added Cronk.
