The AK-HC3900 HD Studio Camera Realizes the ST 2110-Compliant IP Transmission of High-Quality Uncompressed HD Video Without a CCU by the Paid Update

Also linked with the IT/IP platform “KAIROS”

Tokyo, Japan – Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. will release the activation key code “AK-SFC391” for the ST 2110-compliant paid upgrade for Panasonic’s “AK-HC3900” studio camera (*1) in the third quarter of CY2023.
With this update, Panasonic’s “AK-HC3900” HD studio camera can be connected to SMPTE ST 2110-compliant broadcast equipment via an SMPTE fiber optic cable or network switch, allowing the transmission of HD uncompressed video from the camera and return video and intercom audio from studio sub facilities to the camera side without using a CCU (camera control unit) as in the past.

Panasonic released the IT/IP-based live video platform “KAIROS” (*2) in September 2020, and with this upgrade, the AK-HC3900 HD studio camera will also be able to connect directly (*3) to KAIROS via IP from the camera itself.
The above products will be exhibited at “InfoComm” (Orlando, Florida), the largest information and AV equipment exhibition in North America, which will be held from June 14 to 16 this year.

In recent years, the Internet and smart devices have led to the diversification of video viewing styles, and demand for video production, including live distribution, continues to expand. The outdoor live entertainment industry, which was particularly heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen an increase in the number of hybrid online and offline style events. With the expansion of high-capacity, high-speed communications such as 5G and the wider adoption of video as a communication tool, there is a constant need to provide new video experiences, expressions, and productions that exceed the expectations of discerning viewers and keep them coming back for more, all within a limited budget.

The shift to remote video production and operation using IP transmission is accelerating due to labor shortages and changes in work styles, and ensuring both video quality and improving efficiency at the shooting site has become a major challenge for video production sites.
Especially in live broadcasting and streaming of music concerts and other events, video and audio are simultaneously transmitted to large screens and sound equipment attached to the stage, requiring high image quality and low latency transmission processing.
In order to solve these issues at video production sites, we have developed a software update for studio cameras to reduce costs by eliminating CCUs and broadcast-grade uncompressed transmission with the ST 2110.

The ST 2110 connection allows the AK-HC3900 HD studio camera to be connected to the IT/IP platform KAIROS via IP network. Unlike conventional M/E switchers with dedicated hardware configurations, KAIROS is a software-based live video platform that uses our proprietary video processing technology that utilizes GPUs to enable low latency and high-quality video to be multiplexed as much as GPU power allows.
When connected to the ST 2110, a single Kairos Core 100 mainframe can simultaneously connect up to 48 inputs and 32 outputs (*5), yet the mainframe saves space in a mere 1U rack size. Furthermore, the CCU-less connection of the AK-HC3900 HD studio camera eliminates the need for CCUs, which are required for the number of cameras in a conventional baseband system, further saving space and wires for highly efficient operation.

Panasonic Connect is committed to reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing at all of its global plants, continuously reducing CO₂ emissions, waste, water consumption, and chemical substance emissions. We also conduct product environmental assessments to evaluate the environmental impact of our products from the planning and design stages, and manufacture products with improved environmental performance.
The AK-HC3900 HD studio camera, which was born from these efforts, can significantly (*6) reduce power consumption compared to conventional systems during multi-camera operation by eliminating the need for a CCU through this upgrade.

We will continue to utilize the technology we have cultivated in the broadcasting and camera industries for over 60 years and our experience in constantly responding to the problems of our customers in the field to reinvent the field of video production together with all customers involved in video through camera systems, including studio cameras.

*1: HD studio camera launched in May 2020. For more detailed product information, please visit (https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/products/ak-hc3900/).
*2: For more information on the KAIROS IT/IP platform, please visit (https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/products/it_ip_platform/).
*3: Directly supported by the camera head of the studio camera, rather than through the CCU to support the ST 2110 connection. 
*4: Compatible with the AW-UE160 PTZ camera. Software key AW-SFU60G (sold separately) is required to enable this function.
*5: For expansion: Use the I/O expansion option AT-SF002G. For more product information, please visit (https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/products/it_ip_platform/features.html).
*6: Reduced by approximately 60% compared to conventional cameras. Comparison with conventional system configuration (using the AK-HC3900 studio camera and AK-UCU250 CCU).

Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. was established on April 1, 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system. With roughly 29,500 employees worldwide and annual sales of JPY1,125.7 billion the company plays a central role in the growth of the Panasonic Group’s B2B solutions business and provides new value to its customers by combining advanced hardware, intelligent software solutions, and a wealth of knowledge in industrial engineering accumulated in its over 100-year history. The company’s purpose is to “Change Work, Advance Society, Connect to Tomorrow.” By driving innovation in the supply chain, public services, infrastructure, and entertainment sectors, Panasonic Connect aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society and to ensure well-being for all.