Basingstoke, September 11th, 2015: Sony has today announced its latest 4K live production technology has been used to capture the 2015 Octo British Grand Prix MotoGP in both High Dynamic Range (HDR) and at High Frame Rate (HFR). Working with Dorna Sports at Silverstone, Sony used its HDC-4300 cameras to capture every twist and turn of the world-famous highlight of the MotoGP season in vivid detail.

Following successful 4K acquisition trials at last year’s event, the HDR images and 2x slow motion 4K images were captured using four HDC-4300 cameras and recorded via two PWS-4400 4K servers. The footage was then displayed with exceptional colour fidelity on three BVM-X300 4K monitors, showing the race in a wider colour palette and with higher contrast levels than ever before.

MotoGP’s blistering speed and vivid colours required a camera with unrivalled imaging capability. The HDC-4300 is the first three 2/3-inch 4K imaging device, allowing users to shoot not only superb 4K, but also HD and super slow motion footage for live broadcast. Shooting in HDR, the HDC-4300 supports the next-generation ITU-R BT.2020 colour gamut, and provided more precise colour reproduction than ever before seen in footage of the vivid motorcycle race. Developed with fast-paced sporting action in mind, the camera’s HFR shooting capability also ensured that none of the high-octane action was missed.

Designed to meet the requirements of both current and future sports broadcast set-ups, the HDC-4300 is compatible with a wide range of existing products and workflows, including viewfinders, large lens adaptors and camera control units. Supporting the full 4K workflow, the PWS-4400 was selected for its flexible configuration and unparalleled 4K/HD simultaneous recording and transcoding capability.

“We’ve reached a critical point in the growth of 4K sports production,” commented Sergi Sendra, TV Production Director at Dorna Sports. “Having worked with Sony at the Silverstone GP last year to trial 4K live technology, we wanted to build on this experience and look at the next steps in broadcast technology. By shooting in HDR and HFR, we were able to capture incredibly detailed 4K footage that provided a viewing experience with all of the colour and excitement that the spectators at the circuit enjoyed.”

Norbert Paquet, Strategic Marketing Manager at Sony Professional Europe commented: “The versatility of our technology means that the HDC-4300 and PWS-4400 are able to capture HD, 4K, HDR and HFR shots, and we are also introducing the ability to capture in 4K at 120p at IBC 2015. We have developed this technology by listening to our customers and their requirements so that our solutions and workflows match their expectations to deliver the best content to their audiences.”

Delegates at IBC will have the chance to watch the 4K HDR action from the 2015 British Grand Prix Moto GP in Hall 12 (Elicium Hall), via Sony’s BVM-X300 4K monitors. The HDC-4300 will also make its European trade show debut at IBC 2015 where visitors to the Sony stand will be able to learn more about the latest firmware upgrade.