BSKYB EQUIPS NEW STUDIO WITH PHILIPS CAMERAS

PHILIPS Broadcast, providers of advanced digital system solutions for service and network providers in broadcasting and video distribution, have won an order to supply the nine LDK200 camera channels to BSkyB in west London.
The cameras are to be delivered in March 2001 and will see four equip the new Studio 7, with a further five cameras to be installed in a newly refurbished Sky News studio.
To meet the critical quality demanded by the viewers of digital services, BSkyB have sought cameras that could demonstrate an established track record, in addition to offering the performance and capabilities required of digital wide screen broadcasting.
Darren Long, Head of Sky Sports Operations, said: “I had seen and liked the pictures that these cameras had provided during numerous broadcasts.” This opinion was confirmed following exhaustive and detailed evaluation of the competitive cameras that were available.
The LDK200 portable triax camera employs the Philips DPM sensors that provide uncompromised and instant switching between conventional and wide-screen aspect ratios without the need to change or adapt lenses. Weighing 4.9kg, the LDK200 is the lightest camera of its kind in the market and with it’s excellent balance and ergonomics makes handheld shooting particularly easy. Creativity is also assured with three layers of remotely controllable filters comprising individually selectable ND and FX filters plus Electronic ‘Gel’ filters.
The four cameras designed for Studio 7 will be delivered with the Philips SuperXPander large lens adaptor kits, instantly expanding the capabilities of the LDK200 to those of a full studio camera, including the ability to mount lenses from the full range of box type lenses available, a seven inch viewfinder and conventional CRT teleprompters. BSkyB have chosen Fuji lenses.
The further five cameras will be configured as portable units, although still employing triax adaptors. These cameras will employ existing lenses so avoiding unnecessary additional expense.
The LDK200 series are fully compatible with existing Philips camera accessories, including base stations, control panels and lenses. As part of the Philips LDK Series Camera Family, the LDK200 can swiftly be reconfigured into a DVCPRO Camcorder by adding a sophisticated snap-on recorder such as the Philips DCR 50. (CD)