NDI and IP-enabled workflows from Panasonic

By James Tremayne | Senior Technical Product Specialist, Holdan

In the dynamic world of video production, the integration of Panasonic's NDI and IP-enabled workflows marks a significant advancement, particularly with the use of Panasonic's NDI-enabled PTZ cameras, in conjunction with the AV-HSW10 Multiformat switcher. These tools not only streamline the production process but also enhance the quality and flexibility of content creation.

The Panasonic AW-UE160 stands at the forefront of camera technology, boasting NDI and SMPTE 2110 capabilities that are revolutionizing both broadcast and virtual production (VP) workflows. With its advanced 4K 1” MOS sensor, the AW-UE160 delivers unparalleled sensitivity and image quality, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for live events, where clarity and detail are paramount. The camera's support for SMPTE 2110—a standard that enables the separation and individual management of video, audio, and metadata streams over IP networks—allows for a more flexible and scalable approach to content creation.

In practical terms, AW-UE160's SMPTE 2110 integration means that broadcasters can now transport high-bit-rate media across IP networks with reduced complexity and increased reliability. This is particularly beneficial in live sports broadcasting, where the camera's high-speed frame rate captures slow-motion shots in HD for instant replay, enhancing the viewer's experience. Moreover, the camera's compatibility with industry-leading software and hardware, including Panasonic's KAIROS IT/IP platform, ensures seamless integration into existing broadcast workflows, offering a new level of creative freedom and operational efficiency.

For virtual production, the AW-UE160's capabilities are equally impressive. Its optical low pass filter significantly reduces moiré, which is crucial when shooting against LED walls—a common scenario in VP environments. The camera's high-quality output is essential for VP, where the merging of real and virtual elements must be flawless to maintain the illusion. The AW-UE160's features, such as its optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS), further contribute to its suitability for VP, ensuring smooth and stable footage even in dynamic shooting conditions.

• 4K PTZ Camera
• High sensitivity F14/2000 lx - Produce high-quality images - even in dark conditions
  F11/2000 lx under normal mode.
• Latest-generation image processing found in LUMIX
• New Image Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF)
• 2x high-speed shooting
• Moiré reduction (with optical low-pass filter)
• HDR/SDR (HLG/BT.2020 compatible, SDR/BT.709 compatible)
• Hybrid image stabilization with 2-axis O.I.S. and roll direction correction (E.I.S.)
• Updated scene file functions
• Renewed colour matrix control
• Horizontal level gauge display function, waveform display function, etc.

The AW-UE100 adds to this with support for high bandwidth NDI for low latency transmission of 4K 60p video, making it suitable for live streaming of events and studio production. Its wide-angle lens and 24x optical zoom ensure that no detail is missed, while its support for FreeD allows for the creation of AR/VR systems.

• 4K 60p/50p PTZ camera supporting NDI and SRT (Black)
• Supports a wide variety of IP transmission protocols, including NDI, NDI|HX, and SRT
• Supports 4K 60p/50p shooting and 12G-SDI output
• Includes a wide-angle lens with a 74.1° field of view and 24x optical zoom
• RTMP/RTMPS provides direct streaming to live broadcasting services such as YouTube Live and Facebook Live from the camera
• Supports FreeD for building AR/VR systems
• Adopts new mechanical pan/tilt for improved responsiveness and quietness

AW-UE80's ultra-quiet operation and 4K/60p resolution make it a discreet yet powerful tool for reality show production and educational events. Its built-in auto-tracking feature enables it to follow a single person within the frame, which is particularly useful for presentations and lectures.

• 4K 50/60p PTZ Camera supporting Full-Bandwidth NDI, SRT and FreeD protocols
• Supports a wide variety of IP transmission protocols, including high-bandwidth NDI, NDI|HX, and SRT
• Supports 4K 50p/60p shooting
• Includes a wide-angle lens with a 74.1° field of view and 24x optical zoom
• Supports FreeD for building AR/VR systems
• New Direct Drive System for improved responsiveness and quietness

For outdoor environments, the AW-UR100 is unmatched. It is designed to withstand harsh conditions and is equipped with a Dynamic Image Stabilizing System (D.I.S.S), making it suitable for capturing sports events and managing on-site activities in airports or warehouses, even during inclement weather.

• IP65-compliant outdoor 4K PTZ
• High precision 4K/ 60p images, supported by D.I.S.S. (Dynamic Image Stabilizing System)
• Compatible with 4K/60p shooting
• Built-in cropping function
• 24x optical zoom / 74.1° horizontal wide-angle images
• Three types of image stabilization, O.I.S., E.I.S. and D.I.S.S.
• Durability to withstand the harshest of environments

AV-HSW10 Production Switcher

Complementing these cameras, the AV-HSW10 multiformat switcher is a compact, yet powerful device designed to facilitate smooth IP-based video production and distribution. It supports a variety of IP protocols, including NDI®, which is a protocol developed by NewTek, Inc. that supports IP video production workflow. This switcher features four 3G-SDI and two HDMI inputs, which output to two 3G-SDI and one HDMI port for local video distribution, allowing for a flexible connection of various video sources.

One of the key features of the AV-HSW10 is its ability to support broadcast-quality video in a compact, notebook-size chassis. This makes it an ideal solution for professional online lectures, corporate webinars, and other live events that require high-quality video production. The switcher also includes a frame synchronizer, Genlock, and various keyers, which are essential for producing polished and professional-looking video content.

For those looking to integrate graphics into their video, the AV-HSW10 supports NDI® input signals with an alpha channel, facilitating the use of CG materials. This feature is particularly useful for adding overlays or other graphical elements to live video streams. Additionally, the switcher's diverse interfaces cater to wide-ranging needs, making it adaptable to different production scales and requirements.

The AV-HSW10 also shines in its ease of use, with a simple, intuitive, and reliable operation. It features auto colour adjustment for multi-camera videos, ensuring consistent colour quality across different video sources. The switcher's multiviewer can display up to sixteen split screens on a single screen, providing a comprehensive overview of all video inputs at a glance.

Remote control functionality is another aspect where the AV-HSW10 excels. It can be controlled with a software control panel, allowing for flexible operation. This is especially beneficial for one-person operations, where a single operator can manage production to distribution. Moreover, the switcher supports USB Video Class for streaming to web conferencing services like Teams or Zoom without the need for special drivers.

In real-world applications, these products come together to create a cohesive ecosystem that can manage everything from multi-camera setups for large events to single-camera streams for intimate interviews. The flexibility of NDI and SMPTE 2110 standards means that whether you are broadcasting a live concert with the AW-UE160 or streaming a corporate event with the AW-UE100, you can expect a workflow that is both efficient and high-quality.

For AV companies, this means being able to offer clients a range of solutions with the ability to adapt to different production scales, from a single PTZ camera setup to a multi-camera configuration with a switcher. Whether it is for live event production, broadcast, education, or corporate communication, these tools offer the reliability and performance that professionals demand.

In conclusion, Panasonic's suite of NDI and SMPTE 21110 enabled products represents a significant leap forward in video production technology. The Panasonic range of PTZ cameras, along with the AV-HSW10 multiformat switcher, provide a versatile and high-quality solution for a wide range of applications, ensuring that companies can meet the evolving demands of the industry. With these tools, creators can push the boundaries of what is possible, delivering content that is not only visually stunning but also produced with unprecedented efficiency and ease.