Case Studies: Japanet Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

― Mr. Shigeo Tokita, Senior Expert, Technology Department Japanet Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

Challenge

• Equip the stationʼs studio control room so that a small crew can perform sophisticated production operations.

Solutions

• Adopted KAIROS for flexible layer configurations with unrestricted MEs to enable highly flexible production operations and use of a PTZ camera system for advanced in-studio shooting.

Background

Satellite Broadcaster Founded Producing Various Programs in Japan

In March 2022, Japanet Broadcasting station began using its new BSJapanext studio to produce and broadcast conventional shopping channels as well as various shows and information programs. The company, which spent about one year building the studiosʼ control system, wanted its new facility to function like a large studio but with a compact and highly operational design. By doing so, a relatively small crew could handle operations efficiently and hopefully eliminate the long working hours which is a typical issue in most production site.

Why choose Panasonic products?

Enable Non-experts to Handle Production Efficiently

Japanet Broadcasting looked at various products, but finally settled on Panasonic’s IT/IP platform “KAIROS“ and PTZ camera system for the new studios’ three control rooms. Says Mr. Shigeo Tokita, a Senior Expert in the Technology Department: "Switchers used to be very complicated and could be used only by professional operators, but KAIROS does not incorporate rows of mix effect (ME) buttons so even non-experts can easily learn how to use it. In addition, when combined with PTZ remote cameras, the system allows video shooting without requiring camera operators, so it greatly expands what people can do simultaneously. Simply put, we felt we could accomplish many new things with this switcher, and that was a huge factor in our decision-making.”

Benefits of this system

Reduces Work Time while Increasing Flexibility and Creativity

KAIROS can add as many layers as a system’s GPU resources allow, eliminating the need to create an effect for each row and then add effects row by row in sequence, as is the case with traditional ME-based switchers. According to Ms. Naoko Tobo of the Production Engineering Section: “With KAIROS, the concept of what can be done with a given row has changed 180 degrees. It’s an amazingly free feeling. The system quickly captures still images and video regardless of file format, which is very efficient. Kairos Creator is a PC-based software that is intuitive and easy to understand, enabling us to try things without fear of failure. Also, it eliminates the anxiety of having to deal with the complicated settings and menu operations of conventional switchers. Kairos Creator allows us to create diverse effects from the start of the recording process, which simplifies editing later on.”

Combining KAIROS and PTZ Cameras in New Production Methods

Four PTZ remote cameras installed in each studio can be controlled easily from the switcher panel using KAIROS’s convenient macro function for angle and zoom. One of the cameras is also equipped with tracking software to automatically follow the movements of performers. Ms. Tobo comments: ”We have many staffs who can operate both cameras and switchers. But the combination of KAIROS and PTZ cameras allows us to obtain the desired video even if there is no camera operator in the studio. We are eager to adopting automatic tracking to further enhance our operational efficiency.”

Future Prospects

Using IP to Share Resources and Conduct Remote Production

Mr. Tokita explains: “KAIROS is not only an easy-to-use switcher, its scalability realizes exciting possibilities. For example, by connecting our three control rooms with KAIROS via IP to share resources, we could operate multiple studios from a single control room and thereby raise overall operational efficiency even higher. When the Japanet Group opens its new stadium in Nagasaki in 2024, we are thinking of connecting our studio with the stadium to produce sports broadcasts fully remotely. The more we use KAIROS, the more we come up with new ideas, so I expect to take on many new challenges that we haven’t even imagined yet. I am really looking forward to using the KAIROS system in the future.”