VTV5 (Ethnic Television Channel), a Vietnam National Television channel specializing in programs for the country's linguistic minority groups, has invested in eight Ikegami camera systems for integration with two newly completed 4K-UHD outside broadcast production vehicles. Each system comprises an Ikegami UNICAM XE UHK-X700 camera, VFL-P700AD viewfinder, BSX-100U production interface and OCP-300 operating control panel.

VTV5's output covers a wide range of themes including news, documentaries, TV entertainment and films. The Ikegami cameras and their host vehicles are operating from the broadcaster's Hanoi headquarters which currently transmits in 1080i HD. VTV5 gains the ability to master and archive in 4K-UHD in case of future expansion to UHD transmission. The vehicles will be particularly active in delivering live coverage of major public events and sports.

The network's purchase of UHK-X700 cameras follows two years of successful HD production with Ikegami HDK-99 HD camera systems which proved popular with VTV5 creatives for their high signal quality, operational versatility and robust build. Ikegami's prompt and efficient support was also greatly appreciated.

Ikegami UHK-X700 cameras can be pedestal-mounted, tripod-mounted or operated over the shoulder. Designed for broadcast-quality video production and online streaming applications, they incorporate three latest-generation Ikegami 2/3-inch CMOS 4K sensors with global shutters to eliminate rolling-shutter distortion and flash-banding artifacts. The cameras can be used in high dynamic range or standard dynamic range and allow operators to choose between BT.2020 and BT.709 chroma spaces. High frame-rate shooting at up to double real-time in 4K or up to eightfold real-time in HD is possible as an option for applications such as capturing fast motion in sport or stage events.

The Ikegami VFL-P700AD is an HD LCD viewfinder with digital and analog connectivity, designed for use with cameras in the UNICAM XE series and UNICAM HD series. Its high performance 7-inch native LCD screen makes it an effective viewfinder for indoor and outdoor operations.

The Ikegami BSX-100 base station allows each UHK-X700 to support simultaneous output in 4K-UHD and in HD video formats such as 1080p, 1080i or 720, including mixed sources. 4K-UHD video is available as a 12G-SDI feed directly from the camera head, allowing the UHK-X700 to be integrated into a remotely operated system. The BSX-100 enables the transportation of separate video, audio and metadata as independent IP multicast streams via an optional SMPTE.2110 plug-in media-over-IP unit.

Ikegami OCP-300 control panels each incorporate a 5-inch touchscreen color LCD with rotary encoders plus a joystick for iris and pedestal control. A control depth feature allows the selection of basic, complete and customized operating access. Control configurations can be stored to removable SD Memory Card. Options available for the OCP-300 include support for shared operation of up to 100 cameras. PoE+ connectivity eliminates the need for external power supplies. Cat 5e Ethernet cable lengths of up to 100 meters are supported.