Sony Electronics just debuted two new products: a remote production unit, CBK-RPU7, for high-quality video transport over 5G networks and a software switcher, M2L-X, for use in on-premises and cloud environments. In addition, Sony is providing updates to existing products in its Networked Live portfolio.

The NXL-ME80 Media Edge Processor, featuring Sony’s HEVC ultra-low latency codec, expands production capabilities by providing real-time high-quality video streams for remote and distributed productions. Also equipped with Sony’s latest HEVC ultra-low latency codec is a brand new CBK-RPU7 production unit, engineered for direct attachment to field camcorders via the V-lock battery mount, or other mounting options. Its lightweight construction makes it an ideal solution for live field productions which supports 4K SDI video and network connectivity through Ethernet, or 5G (with external modem). The remote CBK-RPU7 pairs with the NXL-ME80 in another location within the production environment.

 

In parallel, Nevion Virtuoso, the software-defined media node, recently added several new features to its media transport and processing capabilities. Virtuoso now offers JPEG XS over TS (VSF TR-07) in addition to ST2110 (VSF TR-08), fast clean switching typically required for shading operations, and support for 3D-LUT color conversion as part of its Up/Down/Cross (UDC) and HDR/SDR conversation capabilities. All these features are available on the carrier-class Virtuoso MI and the smaller form factor Virtuoso RE, which is available to order.

Hybrid processing and operations combine on-premises and cloud production as needed. The new M2L-X is a software-based switcher that expands the established platform and interface of Sony’s existing cloud-based switcher system, M2 Live. It allows video/audio switching, graphics insertion and other production functions to be performed remotely during live broadcasts.

M2L-X can be used as a standalone software, either in a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) environment or on-premises. It can then be operated through its GUI, the ICP-X series control panel, and with third-party controllers such as Streamdeck from Elegato, providing operators with more flexibility and reactivity during live productions.

The M2L-X can be deployed alongside Sony’s MLS-X1 scalable production switcher, creating a hybrid processing stack with unified operations through the popular ICP-X7000 control surfaces. With this setup, operators “do not need to think about where the processing engine is located, regardless of whether it is hardware or software.” In addition, the open interface of the M2L-X System allows integration with existing live production systems, for advanced graphics, audio mixing or multi-viewer, enabling the creation of flexible production environments.

Sony is also announcing SDI capability for the MLS-X1 scalable production switcher, expected to be available in January 2024. With the introduction of an SDI input and output option, Sony Networked Live customers can now transition from pure SDI environments to mixed SDI-IP, and onto pure IP environments. Multiple logical deployments can be made from the same island configuration in parallel or later combined to form different or larger switchers depending on evolving production demands.

The CNA-2 camera control network adaptor enables the monitoring, configuration and control of Sony’s system cameras anywhere in the network. It enables camera systems to integrate into remote and distributed production systems. Sony is also announcing three new software licenses, HZC-RCPCN2, HZC-GWCN2 and HZC-MSUCN2 that can be installed on the CNA-2. With these licenses, CNA-2 users can remotely configure and control multiple system cameras on a network.

All of these products are here: https://pro.sony/ue_US/live-production/networked-live