Firmware Update Will Allow Both HD and UHD Cameras to Output High-Dynamic-Range Signals

Hitachi said it will add HDR capabilities to its HDTV and UHD 4K broadcast cameras at the 2016 Telemundo Cine Video Television Expo in Mexico City next week. Any Hitachi camera purchased before September 30 will get the HDR capabilities at no additional charge, the company said.

HDR output will be enabled through a firmware upgrade allowing users to select a wider OETF conforming to either ST.2084/PQ or HLG standards, Hitachi VP of Business Development John J. Humphrey told StudioDaily. 

Hitachi's high-end broadcast camera is the SK-UHD4000, with a B4 lens mount and a four-sensor 2/3-inch MOS imaging system. It outputs 10-bit 4:2:2 video at UHD resolution.

"We're excited to offer high dynamic range capability on our UHD and HDTV broadcast cameras, and we're confident that TV viewers will appreciate the increased contrast, richer color and dynamic lighting of the video it captures," said Hitachi Kokusai's Sean Moran in a prepared statement. "Broadcasters and other video professionals will be able to produce significantly superior HDR imagery without having to upgrade their existing infrastructure or transmission systems."