Ikegami UHK-430 and HDK-99 Cameras Chosen

for New 4K OB Vehicle

Ikegami UHK-430 and HDK-99 cameras have been chosen for a recently completed 4K OB vehicle, designed and built by Milan-based broadcast system integrator Aret Video & Audio Engineering. The vehicle was commissioned in time to cover the Qatar National Day festivities celebrating the country's foundation in 1878. 

"The Ikegami cameras were selected both for their high signal quality and for the proven excellence of Ikegami post-sale support," comments Aret's Vice President Alessandro Asti. "Eight UHK-430 models have been purchased plus two docking-style HDK-99. All 10 cameras can be tripod or pedestal mounted to achieve steady long-zoom closeup capture of fast-moving action while retaining the freedom to operate in free-style over-the-shoulder mode. The HDK-99 can be configured to feed directly from the camera control unit into any 4K periphery."

Ikegami’s Middle East office, located in Dubai, assisted in the customer’s decision-making by providing consultation support and product demonstrations.

"Our excellent relationship with the customer helped us to win this project," says Abdul Ghani, General Manager - Middle East. "We also provided full on-site staff training with the new system followed by on-site first-level support to ensure flawless live coverage of the Qatari National Day." 

"Ikegami observers were present to offer assistance over multiple days during the ongoing festivities," adds Asim Saeed, Business Development Manager – Ikegami Middle East. All the equipment worked perfectly and the production went flawlessly."

Ikegami's UHK-430 is a 4K-native camera system with simultaneous HDR/SDR processing. Its three 2/3-inch CMOS sensors provide full 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution plus the depth of field needed for studio and outdoor production. The camera is equipped with a B4 bayonet mount compatible with 2/3-inch broadcast lenses. An optional SE-U430 expander accommodates large studio or OB lenses.

An integrated Ikegami AXII processor enables the UHK-430 to deliver 40 gigabit/s uncompressed full bandwidth video transmission plus a wide range of features including 16-axis colour correction and focus-assist for 4K and HD video modes. An optional Media over IP module for the CCU-430 allows 4K UHD video plus additional signals such as intercom and return-video feeds to be exchanged between the CCU-430 and a local IP network hub over a light weight optical fibre instead of requiring multiple SDI cables, allowing easy and low latency signal distribution. In its standard form, the UHK-430 weighs just 4.6 kg. Dimensions are 149 mm wide x 243 mm high x 340 mm front-to-back.

The Ikegami HDK-99 is a 3G-capable docking-style camera for portable and studio applications. It employs three 2.6-megapixel 2/3-inch CMOS image sensors delivering high picture quality in HDR at 1920 x 1080 resolution with progressive-scan. Like the UHK-430, the HDK-99 has an integrated Ikegami AXII processor. A lens aberration correction function minimises resolution loss and coloured edging caused mainly by optical lens deviation. Quick EZ Focus Assist enhances the viewfinder signal, enabling the camera operator to make critical focus adjustments. Area size, area colour, edge colour and display time on the viewfinder are all adjustable from the camera menu.

About Aret Video & Audio Engineering

Founded in 1976 to provide OB vehicle and studio integration services for RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana, Aret (www.aret-engineering.com) today provides turnkey video and audio systems for broadcast and related applications to customers throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company is also active in the training, retail and hire sectors. Its engineering expertise encompasses TV and radio production studios, mobile production vehicles, satellite newsgathering vans, news studios, production automation, master control rooms, IP infrastructures, data storage and robotics.