Camera Corps on the Digital Glue that Streamlines Live HDR Sports Production
By Jennifer P
In this article from AJA News, the impact of High Dynamic Range (HDR) on sports broadcasting is explored, highlighting its ability to enhance the viewer experience with more vibrant and true-to-life colors. However, many production teams still operate with Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) equipment, even when capturing events in HDR, creating workflow challenges. To address these complexities, seamless SDR-to-HDR conversion and signal integrity are critical, as is the ability to manage multiple LUTs with low latency and high-quality output. Camera Corps, a UK-based specialty camera provider, has successfully navigated these challenges using AJA’s ColorBox and Mini-Converters, ensuring optimal video processing for major sporting events.
The article features insights from Andy Sanders, Technical Director at Camera Corps, who discusses how his team integrates AJA technology to enhance live sports production. Camera Corps, now part of Videndum, has been a key player in the broadcast industry since 1997, providing robotic camera systems and minicams for major global events. Sanders details his career journey, from his background in electronic engineering to his leadership in developing innovative camera solutions. His team works closely with clients to customize setups, ensuring seamless operation across broadcast environments.
A key highlight of the article is Camera Corps’ role in covering major international sporting events in 2024, deploying hundreds of cameras tailored to different broadcast requirements. Sanders emphasizes the importance of planning, which can start years in advance, to ensure smooth integration of equipment into live productions. AJA’s ColorBox proved instrumental in their workflow, allowing for efficient HDR conversion, low-latency processing, and enhanced color accuracy. The lightweight design and flexibility of AJA’s gear enabled seamless deployment across multiple venues, optimizing camera performance while maintaining signal integrity.
The article also addresses industry trends, with Sanders noting the growing demand for UltraHD, 8K, SMPTE 2110, and HDR. He highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining HDR signal consistency across various devices and workflows, advocating for advanced conversion solutions like AJA’s OG-ColorBox to streamline HDR-SDR integration. Looking ahead, Camera Corps is preparing for major sporting events through 2026, focusing on expanding technological capabilities and staying ahead of industry advancements. The piece concludes with an overview of AJA’s ColorBox, 12G-AMA, and 12GM products, emphasizing their role in delivering high-quality signal conversion and compatibility in live sports broadcasting.
Read the full article from AJA News HERE
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