Multi-Format Camera was introduced to the drama recording studios

TOKYOBROADCASTING SYSTEM TELEVISION, INC. (hereinafter called TBS) introduced the Multi-FormatCamera AK-HC3500 to its drama recording studios, “M1 Studio” and “M2 Studio” inMidoriyama Studio.
TBShas the drama recording studios (M1-M5) and a broad open studio in Midoriyama,Aoba-Ku, Yokohama, as well as versatile studios(K1& K2) in Kinuta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo.
 “M1 Studio” is mainly used for recordingperiod dramas. As for “M2 Studio”, TBS also uses it for own drama productionand as a rented studio to other commercial TV stations. Panasonic Drama Theater“Step Father/Step”, started on January 9th (TBS, Monday 8 PM), isbeing recorded in this M2 Studio.
MidoriyamaStudio City Inc. was established in 1982 by Tokyo Broadcasting System, Inc. atthat time. The company’s business includes the management, operation, andmaintenance of the studios, including equipments such as camera systems,switchers, audio-mixers, VTRs and lightings.

High image quality is essential for a broadcast camera for producing professional footages

The company decided to introduce AK-HC3500 as the successor of AK-HC800 that was adapted at the start of BS digital broadcasting. In 2009, 6 sets (3 with build-up units) of AK-HC3500 were installed in “M1 Studio”, and 7 sets (3 with build-up units) were in “M2 Studio” in 2010, total 13 sets of AK-HC3500 are now at work.

Shigeki Tachibana, Vice President, in charge of Facilities Planning Division of TV Technology　Director of Technology, TBS said, looking back, that the keys for adaptation of AK-HC3500 were its “high image quality” including S/N and color reproducibility, the compact and lightweight body, and its toughness against rough use.

TBS head office

Midoriyama Studio City

 “For digital broadcasting,the most important thing for a broadcast camera is, indeed, high image quality.Especially for shooting of drama, the demands for image quality and texturesare extremely rigorous and extensive. However, AK-HC3500 can finely andfaithfully reproduce the colors in a variety of scenes, from brightly lit sceneto dark one. We regard that the black tone in a dark area and the restorationof human skin tone are particularly superior. Furthermore, even in the studioset, the shoulder-mount style shooting is increasing lately. The small size andlight weight of this camera is quite appealing, and I think the balance of camerahead, when mounted high power lens, is excellent,” said Tachibana.

Thehigh image quality and robustness of AK-HC3500 is demonstrating its ability inthe operation of OB Van of TBS television, Akasaka, Tokyo.

Superior color reproducibility achieved by
matching of Limiting Resolution x Gamma Curve x Spectral characteristics

SunaoNonomura, Director of Technical Department, Midoriyama Studio City, also highly regardsthe color reproducibility of AK-HC3500, and said particularly “the gradation ofblack is a masterpiece.”

“High image quality is notequal to high resolution. The fine balance of resolution, color reproduction,and S/N can only produce the authentic “high image quality”. The biggestfeature of AK-HC3500 is its excellence in color tone in the dark areas. Black tonerepresentation is required in various areas. Especially in the drama, one ofsevere genres, I think the strength of this camera was maximized to produceinformation-rich pictures even with the dark scenes across the screen. Thiscamera offers superior color reproducibility in the shaded settings, such asrepresentation of actor’s face, the setting of dark area behind the actor, andthe balance of them.” said Nonomura.

Excellencein gradation of black color is demonstrated specially in the funeral scenes,where attendants wear black formals with a variety of materials such aschemical fiber, wool or silk. In order to reproduce not only the difference of thematerials, but also the textures and outlines of overwrapping black costumes, insteadof creating the washed out pictures, the resolution and DTL signal processing isimportant.

 “AK-HC3500 provides the highlimiting resolution, excellent gamma curve, and superb spectralcharacteristics. As a result, it enables us to create rich and smooth picturesfrom high brightness to low illumination, and provides the well-balanced colorreproducibility. Furthermore, the gamma curve in AK-HC3500 is especially usefulfor producing the traditional old-world pictures in the period drama,” saidNonomura.

Notonly camera operators but also video engineers and light operators regard AK-HC3500highly, saying that they can easily produce the intended representation andbring to the intended adjusting points without stress.

Responding to growing needs forthe “film-like” pictures

Becausethe high-definition television has became the standard in the ordinary homes, thetastes added on pictures become clearly visible, and there is preference ofdirectors who direct the drama, demands for “film-like” pictures, which cancreated by progressive recording or cine gamma, are increasing.

“The needsfor recording with film-like tone have been increasing for the drama such as perioddrama series that used to be recorded on films, and people are relying onprogressive recording heavily for that purpose. Cases of recording entirely in1080/30p, or using progressive recording only for the flashback in the perioddramas are increasing. As a result, providing of progressive recording functionhas become one of the key elements for selecting a studio camera. Beside,because there are many dark scenes in the period drama, I think the ability ofrepresenting gradation of black in AK-HC3500 is extremely useful,” Nonomurasaid.

Easy to elaborate

AboutAK-HC3500, Nonomura says “put simply, this is a camera you can easily elaboratepictures.”

 “This camera makes me easy tofollow during adjustments or programs thanks to the quality of originalpictures. Besides, with this camera, it is unlikely for us to set improperly,so we can easily tune what we want.” said Nonomura.

Also, theeasy-to-use camera head, the low power consumption (low-heat), and the speed ofresponse to operational controls are receiving a high evaluation as professionalequipment.

Deliver natural “lights” faithfully to the audience

Asa media organization, it is broadcaster’s duty to provide not only the promptand accurate news delivery, but also the lights and sounds of naturefaithfully. Development of TV camera as a gateway to the mission is the mostchallenging field that requires converting the dynamic range, which isspreading infinitely throughout nature, into the limited electrical signallevels. It requires the field specific technologies, expertise, and experience.

 “Especially for theproduction of artistic dramas and films, demands for image quality are rigorous.In the future also, TBS Television continues to place great importance on dramaproduction. So the importance of “the drama studio Midoriyama” willincreasingly grow. We expect that Panasonic will continue to provide us thespecialized professional cameras for the production,” Tachibana said.

A variety of features would be wasted without the robustbasic performance

“AK-HC3500contains a variety of features. We believe we can make use of them thanks toits robust basic performance such as superb color reproducibility.” Nonomura concluded.