Sony 900 Sony Camera Command Network System, Extended Technical Access to Camera Video Processing

4 4-1.Sony Camera Command Network System

Several decades of TV operations have led to the development of many alternative operational and engineering philosophies relating to the deployment of video and technical control and to the monitoring and routine maintenance of multi-camera studio and OB truck installations. Sony has re-examined the entire studio camera architecture with the goal of structuring a far higher degree of system flexibility. This new architecture is based on:

•High-speed communication of digital control commands

•A considerably augmented Master Set-up Unit, the MSU-700A/750

•The introduction of a powerful technical 'nerve center' concept - the camera Command Network Units, CNU-700 and CNU-500

•Electronically assignable camera remote control panels for use with these camera command network units

4-2.Master Set-up Unit – MSU-700A/750

The Master Set-up Unit (MSU) is the centralized technical control position for multi-camera systems. The MSU-700A/750 has been designed to provide comprehensive and wide ranging technical supervision and alignment of a complex camera system from a single centralized panel. If it is desirable in a large program origination complex to extend this supervision to more than one control location (for example, separate operational and engineering/ maintenance control centers) then a number of MSU- 700A/750 units can access the entire camera system. To exercise maximum flexibility in controlling a multi- camera system, the MSU-700A/750 is designed to work in conjunction with the CNU-700 and CNU-500 Command Network Units. However, if a simplified system is desired, the MSU-700A/750 can also operate as a stand-alone unit. It provides rapid, finger- tip access to all controls relating to the smooth functioning of an operational system, including:

•Technical alignment controls for the entire camera chain

•Picture and waveform monitor switching

•System configuration

•Control data filing

Extended Technical Access to Camera Video

Processing

Atraditional high-end studio/OB camera chain entails a multiplicity of technical adjustments. In combination they optimize of the technical alignment of the RGB video processing channels and allow a broad degree of control over certain critical video subsystems (such as image enhancement, color reproduction, dynamic range, etc.). Typically, these technical controls are segregated into those requiring regular operational access - and are provided as remote adjustments on video operational panels or technical control panels - and others, perhaps requiring less frequent access, which are relegated to screwdriver adjustments on various circuit boards within the camera head and HDCU. This separation often entailed a degree of protracted (and frustrating) re-alignment when subtle creative readjustments are desired for a particular picture composition.

In the HDC-900 Series camera system, Sony has adopted the philosophy that all technical controls are important and that remote access to virtually all controls on a single control panel would bring higher operational efficiency. This led to the introduction of the MSU-700A/750 Master Set-up Unit. To avoid undue complication of the ergonomics of the panel layout that would result from such extensive access, a novel Electro Luminescent (EL) sub-panel forms an integral part of the overall MSU-700A/750 control panel - Photo 4-1. This menu-driven touch screen allows remote pre- programmed and logical access to dozens of technical adjustments. Perhaps no other system can

better illustrate the enhanced degree of centralized control than that relating to access to the many adjustments required for the image enhancement system. Depending upon the creative desires of the program director, the MSU-700A/750 allows highly flexible, finger-tip access to all critical adjustments, including skin detail control.

The main features of the MSU-700A/750 are given below.

(1) Easy operation

•Frequently used functions are directly accessed from the panel.

•The following modes can be easily accessed by using the new EL touch panel display for maintenance and daily operation.

•Paint mode: Various paint items such as White, Black and Flare are adjustable

•File mode: Storing, retrieving and transferring reference files, lens files and scene files between camera heads on a PC memory card

•Maintenance mode: System phase control, HDCU video level alignment, selection of character display from a CNU-700 and CNU-500, etc.

•Configuration mode: Entire control system configuration, RCP assignment, etc.

•Card mode: PC memory card initialize, store to PC memory card/recall from PC memory card, etc.

•Multi-mode:Setting of multi-camera operation such as 'All', 'Control Priority', 'Parallel Mode', etc.

(2) Multi-MSU operation

In a conventional system, a single MSU controls a single studio or multiple studios. However, in this new control system, multiple MSUs can be used to remotely control/supervise a single studio from different operational engineering and control rooms.

(3) Standard switch

Users standard setting data is easily recalled by pressing the 'standard' switch.

Photo 4-1: MSU-700A Master Set-up Unit

HDC-900/950/930 Series Product Information Manual Chapter 4 Control System 50