Panasonic Connect Introduces the New PTZ Camera "AW-UE160W/K", the next-generation PTZ that reduces the burden on shooting sites

Tokyo, Japan - Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. today announced that in the first quarter of CY2023, Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. will release the AW-UE160W/K, a next-generation 4K integrated camera that achieves both high-quality shooting and video production efficiency, for customers involved in the broadcasting industry and the entertainment industry such as and live events, as well as video production.

This will be the new flagship model that pursues more unique and new visual expression by combining the flexibility of a PTZ Camera that can be freely set in position and angle with the functionality of a System Camera used in the broadcast industry. Panasonic Connect will also release the AW-SFU60, an optional software key to activate SMPTE ST2110 for the AW-UE160 series.

[Development Background]
With hybrid events increasing these days, the expansion of high-capacity and high-speed communications such as 5G, the increase in online communication due to the Covid-19, and the "popularization of video", it has become possible for anyone to shoot, produce, distribute, and watch in any place, video experience, video content, and the situation surrounding it is changing drastically. Also, the demand for video continues to increase, and the video production industry, including the broadcasting industry, is always required to provide quality that exceeds the expectations of discerning viewers and to provide new video experiences, expressions, and effects that will not bore them with a limited budget. Under such circumstances, the shift to remote video production and operation using IP transmission is also accelerating, and it has become an issue to achieve both ensuring video quality and improving the efficiency of shooting sites.

To solve the on-site challenges in the video content market where such demand continues to expand, AW-UE160W/K is the industry's first product, which combines the strengths of system cameras and PTZ cameras. It also has the industry's highest level of shooting performance with unique video effects that can be expressed using a variety of shooting methods and a wealth of new functions provide viewers with new experiences, including immersive images from an unprecedented perspective.

With more than 60 years of experience in this industry, Panasonic Connect always listen to the voice of customers and will continue to innovate the future of video production.

In addition to the high sensitivity of F14 / 2,000 lx ⁴, equivalent to that of a studio camera, and the latest generation image processing found in LUMIX, the AW-UE160 is equipped with a newly developed phase detection autofocus (PDAF) that enables high-speed focusing and can also be used to shoot fast-moving subjects. The new PTZ is equipped with a variety of features that enable high-precision video production, including a new PTZ mechanism and hybrid image stabilization.

The AW-UE160 is the first PTZ camera ² to support the SMPTE ST2110 ³, an IP transmission standard for the broadcasting industry, and wireless transmission with a 5G mobile router (via USB tethering). It also supports return input ⁵ and a rear tally lamp that can also be lit in yellow, which are essential for combined operation with system cameras. In addition, it is equipped with the cropping zoom function that can output multiple angle video with a single camera and 2x high-speed output (HD) from SDI/HDMI.

Support for a variety of interfaces and protocols (SMPTE ST2110, Highbandwidth NDI® ⁶, NDI®|HX ⁶, SRT, FreeD, RTMP/RTMPS, etc.) reduces the burden of introducing the camera into existing systems. Even if output is performed from multiple video terminals at the same time, there is no restriction on video output, so simulcast operation in 4K is possible. Support for scene files, color matrix control and Panasonic's free software and Remote Operation Panel (ROP) for batch management of multiple cameras makes mixed operation with system cameras even easier. In addition, the waveform display function and the horizontal level gauge display function reduce the burden of setting up and adjusting the video.

* This specification is under development and is subject to change at the time of release.
1 As of October 2022.
2 As of October 2022. According to our research.
3 To use the SMPTE ST2110 function, activation with the optional software key AW-SFU60, which is sold separately, is required.
4 When normal mode is selected, F11/2,000 lx.
5 To build a system using the return video function, it is necessary to use the SMPTE ST2110 function.
6 NDI® is a new protocol developed by NewTek, Inc. that supports IP video production workflow. NDI® is a registered trademark of NewTek, Inc. in the United States and other countries. In this instance, NDI® is used to indicate low latency with high bandwidth NDI®, NDI®|HX is used to indicate high efficiency low bandwidth NDI®|HX.
7 Effective size
8 Conditions: F2.8, 59.94p, 50IRE, +42 dB, without accumulation
9 SFP+ standard (Single Fiber). This unit does not support input by optical signals.
10 Compatible with recommended products only.
11 Excluding protrusions, direct ceiling mount bracket.
12 Excluding mount bracket.

https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/products/aw-ue160/