Murakami Koichi, General Manager, Professional Solutions, Sony India

On key trends in the broadcast industry

Broadcasters are starting to see the benefits of a file-based workflow. In digital media world where news is instantaneously available on the Internet, broadcasters are starting to move toward implementing file-based workflows for faster news capture and delivery to multiple platforms such as the web and mobile. Camera systems should be able to integrate seamlessly with existing software and editing systems for fast and efficient delivery, as well as simplify the newsgathering process in the digital media environment.

Before the file-based era, broadcasters could make decisions about equipment in some isolation. Now we have file-based acquisition in order to make most of the investment - the total workflow for audio/video needs to be considered from acquisition, throughout production, playout, and archive.

Sony aims to help the industry transition to digital workflow, which builds efficiency in operation. Sony has expertise in providing not only a product in a box but also different products that come together to make an efficient workflow solution. Sony's large range of XDCAM workflow solutions, which are the industry's trusted and a well-known broadcasting format, are based on the benefits of digital file-based workflow.

On future of broadcast equipment industry in India

High quality content creation has been asked by industry professionals and the last mile link is now possible with various HD methodologies of transmission and concurrently affordable HD display devices. In the next few years, the increasing adoption of HD technology, with the new range of affordable HD products coming in, might be witnessed.

On challenges

Overcoming the cost barrier is a challenge for the Indian market, and cost-effective HD equipment will help minimize this gap. For example, the HXC-D70 studio camera acquires in HD can work with users' existing Sony SD CCU allowing a stepped investment whilst improving picture quality.

On products marketed in India

From broadcast and content creation equipment, professional cameras to switchers and file management solutions, Sony offers the full range of HD products for broadcasters.

HDCAM has now become the world's most established HD formats within the broadcast industry. XDCAM is the family name of Sony's line-up of tapeless HD camcorders and decks.

Sony is the only company to offer four different HD format options from the entry level HDV to the ultimate high end HDCAM SR - standards which have become de-facto in the industry, and are well-recognized and trusted brands in the industry.

With rich accumulation of 3D production experience, Sony is able to offer services and solutions for every part of the 3D ecosystem, which includes new technologies designed for 3D content creation such as a variety of camera options for 3D content creation.

On major customers

The customers range from broadcasters to film-makers. Some of the customers include Leo VIII and Rising Sun Films (P) Ltd., Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC), and Star Plus.

On sales trends

2011 has been a great year for sales, as the HD momentum continued. Many of the company's existing customers are looking at HD products, in a bid to upgrade their current SD systems. This upgrading trend will continue in year 2012.

On future plans

As the industry moves increasingly toward 4K digital technology, Sony has established market leadership and is a global first in the space.

A new chapter in 4K is revealed with Sony's revolutionary new 4K products like CineAlta. At the heart of the F65 camera is Sony's newly developed 8K sensor, which delivers pristine HD, 2K, and true 4K resolution today - will go far beyond 4K in the future, as the industry needs to evolve. The release of this camera delivers on its promise to derive true 4K resolution and beyond - at the point of image capture. Sony has set the trend for the exponential growth of 4K in India.

On major partnerships

In the segment of 3D production, the company has partnered with Whistling Woods International to open the Sony Media Technology Center (SMTC) in India.