Sony, EMG, and BT Sport to trial 4K HDR broadcast workflow at Fury v Whyte

Sony, EMG Group, and BT Sport are to create a world first 4K HDR broadcast workflow at Tyson Fury and Dilian Whyte’s heavyweight boxing clash.

As part of the workflow, Sony’s new HDC-F5500 live system camera will be used for the first time in Europe in a live sports broadcast scenario. The camera features a highly sensitive Super 35mm frame and a 4K CMOS global shutter image sensor.

Fury and Whyte face each other at Wembley on 23 April, with Fury defending the WBC heavyweight title.

The HDC-F5500 live system camera will connect into the existing camera infrastructure within the EMG UK OB van, with minimal engineering effort. The HDCU-5500 will output UHD Slog3 live images into the rest of the production chain, and then the images will then be transmitted to homes through BT Sport’s infrastructure.

Andy Beale, chief engineer from BT Sport, said: “When it comes to sporting events, we’re constantly seeking to try out the latest technologies to improve on our existing workflows and deliver a world class viewing experience. High visibility events like the fight between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte are the perfect setting to trial new cameras in a live context.

Martyn Edwards, project director at EMG UK, added: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Sony and BT Sport on this landmark 4K project. At EMG we have worked with Sony camera systems for many years throughout the group, so it was a straightforward connection into the existing camera infrastructure within our UHD/HDR OB facilities.. The HDC-F5500 is an excellent camera and really brings this cinematic and artistic look and feel to the production, thanks to its Super 35mm 4K CMOS sensor.”

Norbert Paquet, head of live production solutions, imaging products & solutions Europe for Sony, commented: “We’re always excited to see our latest innovations being used in real life conditions. The HDC-F5500 is built in a spirit of continuity with other HDC camera Systems, so it integrates easily into existing Live Production workflows & operations but it’s also built with a spirit of innovation and with sustainability in mind.

“The demand for a more artistic look in Live Production and enhanced operational workflow while working with 4K, HDR, Super 35mm sensors were key drivers in the development of the HDC-F5500, making it an easy fit to any live sports & events productions alongside other HDC Camera Systems.”