Ikegami and Toshiba Provide Details of Advanced New Tapeless ENG Camera, Editing and Production System
"Officially announced on the opening day of NAB 2007, Ikegami and Toshiba have formed a strategic joint-development partnership to develop and promote an advanced video production/editing system for broadcasters and video professionals. Key concepts and components of the new video production/editing system disclosed by the two companies include the use of semiconductor flash memory as the main storage medium.
The total system comprises the “GFCAM” Hybrid Tapeless Camera, “GFSTATION”, an entirely new central video management and recording system based on flash memory and “GFSTATION PORTABLE”, a portable version of GFSTATION. All image and sound data are recorded to “GFPAK”, a removable medium that can be used with all system components. The network connectivity of all system elements creates a highly efficient, highly productive tapeless environment.
Flash Memory Solution
The new system’s main removable storage medium, GFPAK, used with the GFCAM, GFSTATION, and GFSTATION PORTABLE, is based on semiconductor flash memory. Flash memory offers distinct advantages over optical disc-based and other solutions: with no moving parts, it is rugged, highly impact- and vibration-resistant, and maintenance is easier and much cheaper; it is also a long-life, semi-permanent medium, supporting rewrite cycles in the order of tens of thousands, another significant factor in reducing running costs. GFPAK also integrates proprietary technologies and enhanced error protection that protect data integrity, and supports high-speed random access that boosts working efficiency.
A single GFPAK can store up to 128 minutes of HD images, affording ample recording time when used in the field.
Depending on the application, an alternative hard disk-drive based memory pack is also available. Both the flash-based and HDD packs have the same profile and interface and are completely interchangeable in system components.
Meta Data and Proxy Data Solutions
As the GFCAM records high-resolution image data, it also simultaneously records proxy video and other meta data. Proxy video, a low-resolution MPEG 4 mirror of the high-resolution image and sound, has the same time code as the original, and can be quickly delivered over a network, or accessed on location, for initial viewing and to support scripting and editing. By recording INPUT/OUTPUT points set by a PC, replay of materials according to these points is easily done either on GFSTATION or GF STATION PORTABLE. Other meta data recorded during acquisition supports workflow efficiency by logging all key facts on the shoot—the date, location, program name, and equipment used.
Open Solutions
Every component of the system is built around open standards, including such codecs and formats as MPEG2 Long GOP/I-Frame and MXF. This approach supports broadcasters and production companies in making a gradual transition from existing systems to a new tapeless environment, and also facilitates interoperability with diverse third-party equipment and systems. Ikegami and Toshiba will draw on this open standard approach in forging partnerships with developers of non-linear editors."
Source
