I assume you mean this story. I can't say for sure how these partnerships work out for the Sony partners. They must be good for Sony, because Sony gets involved in a lot of them. Of all the big boys, Sony seems the most committed to digital video. This means their products are gaining early market share, and getting good brand name acceptance. That is probably what LPAC is excited about.
NEW YORK (BUSINESS WIRE) - As the industry readies itself for the technology transformation brought-about by the rapid growth of electronic and digital media distribution, the need for a single, high resolution digital format master becomes essential. To fill this need, Sony Electronics Inc., in collaboration with LaserPacific Media Corporation, has unveiled the 24 Frame Progressive (24P) High Definition Post Production System.
"With Sony's 24P system, it is now possible to create a single archival master from which all ATSC standards can be derived," said Michael Vitelli, executive vice president of Sony Electronics' Broadcast and Professional Company. "Simply put, this is the first format ever created specifically to suit the needs of DTV, DVD, the Internet and all other electronic and digital distribution mediums."
The unique design approach resulted in the decision to make the entire system switchable between 1080/24P and 1080/60i/50i (25P). This allows a single post production system to scan in 24 frames progressive for film-originated material, in 60 field interlaced for recording high definition video and in 25 frames progressive for international distribution.
Vitelli noted that the 24P high definition post production system is just that, a full family of products, including: an HD telecine, VTR, editor, production switchers, digital effects, monitors, multi-format converters, and peripheral products.
"The key to our 24P high definition system is that whether the material is acquired through telecine transfer or shot with our 24 Frame camcorder, the HD master produced will be easily converted to any number of progressive or interlaced transmission formats, including 1080i, 720P, 480i or 480P," Vitelli said. "This saves post facilities and networks from the necessity of investing in multiple post production systems to satisfy different format demands."
LaserPacific, well known in the industry for innovation in post production processes and technology, will incorporate the first 24P system for episodic and movie programming in time for this fall's television season.
"The industry has long recognized the need for a digital production standard to complement the new ATSC broadcast standards," said Emory Cohen, president of LaserPacific Media Corporation. "I believe 1080/24P not only fills that need, but it also reduces economic barriers to HDTV program production. Sony has shown us that, despite their size, they can react quickly and responsively to the needs of its customers."
As an indication of the industry's recognition of this new 24P standard, Sony and LaserPacific are working with a number of manufacturers who have expressed their support. Specific announcements will be made at NAB.
The importance of the 24P post production system is that it allows for the creation of a single, high quality program master, from which any of the ATSC DTV, electronic and digital media formats can be made. The system can handle frame-based (progressive) images at the native film frame rate. The infrastructure will be fully switchable--24P, 60i, and 50i (25P) for future DTV in the international communities--and offers simple inter-connection of all system elements via HD-SDI.
Also critical to the multi-standard 24P system is its compatibility with Sony's popular HDCAM(R) family of products in the form of simultaneous output in both 1080/24P or the standard 1080/60i, originated on the current HDW-700A camcorder.
According to Vitelli, in late 1999, Sony will extend the 24P system with the introduction of a 24 Frame progressive HD camcorder. This is intended to complement 24 Frame film origination - thus facilitating an important new creative choice for program producers for both television origination and certain types of movie making.
Sony is working with prominent lens and film accessory manufacturers to make the new 24 frame progressive camcorder especially friendly to cinematographers. Sony also is working closely with filmmakers to refine operational features that will be announced at the time of introduction. In early 2000, Sony will add HD studio and companion portable production cameras that will be switchable 24P/60i/50i (25P).
Editor's Note: More information about Sony products can be found on the World Wide Web at sony.com, or readers may call 1-800-686-SONY. Additional press information is available at sony.com.
The Broadcast and Professional Company of Sony Electronics is a leading U.S. provider of video and audio equipment for the broadcast, production, business, industrial, government, medical, and education markets. Sony offers a wide array of products and systems for image capture, production, and display. Sony also provides specialized equipment and systems for data recording, duplication, electronic photography/publishing, video conferencing, high definition video, interactive and security applications. In the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 1998, Sony Electronics had record sales of $10.5 billion.
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