Panasonic debuts next-generation PTZ camera that reduces the burden on shooting sites

The PTZ Camera AW-UE160W/K boasts newly developed image sensor, equipped with the latest generation ¹ image processing engine, and is the industry's first ² SMPTE ST2110 compatible³ PTZ camera

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa (PMMAF) has announced the regional launch of the AW-UE160W/K, a next-generation 4K integrated camera that achieves both high-quality shooting and video production efficiency, for customers involved in the broadcasting industry and the entertainment industry such as live events, as well as video production.

This will be the new flagship model that pursues more unique and new visual expression by combining the flexibility of a PTZ Camera that can be freely set in position and angle with the functionality of a System Camera used in the broadcast industry. Panasonic will also release the AW-SFU60, an optional software key to activate SMPTE ST2110 for the AW-UE160 series.

Hidetoshi Kaneko – Director System Solutions and Communications Division, Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa- FZE (PMMAF), said: “Panasonic has a long history of PTZ expertise and the introduction of the AW-UE160W/K is a testament to our strong commitment to remain at the forefront of innovation. As the latest premium model of our PTZ range, the AW-UE160W/K offers groundbreaking technology with its top-of-the-line 4K HDR capabilities that deliver unrivalled level of filming performance in the industry. In addition, it has a variety of functions – including the incorporation of unique video effects – that will not only allow users to carry out high-precision video production but deliver new experiences as well."

Development Background

With hybrid events increasing these days, the expansion of high-capacity and high-speed communications such as 5G, the increase in online communication brought about by a global pandemic, and the ‘popularization of video’, it has become possible for anyone to shoot, produce, distribute, and watch in any place, video experience, video content, and the situation surrounding it is changing drastically. Also, the demand for video continues to increase, and the video production industry, including the broadcasting industry, is always required to provide quality that exceeds the expectations of discerning viewers and to provide new video experiences, expressions, and effects that will not bore them with a limited budget. Under such circumstances, the shift to remote video production and operation using IP transmission is also accelerating, and it has become an issue　to achieve both ensuring video quality and improving the efficiency of shooting sites.

To address the on-site challenges in the video content market where such demand continues to expand, AW-UE160W/K is the industry’s first product, which combines the strengths of system cameras and PTZ cameras. It also has the industry's highest level of shooting performance with unique video effects that can be expressed using a variety of shooting methods and a wealth of new functions provide viewers with new experiences, including immersive images from an unprecedented perspective.

With more than 60 years of experience in this industry, Panasonic always listen to the voice of customers and will continue to innovate the future of video production.

Features

1. Uncompromising shooting performance and operability.
In addition to the high sensitivity of F14 / 2,000 lx ⁴, equivalent to that of a studio camera, and the latest generation image processing found in LUMIX, the AW-UE160 is equipped with a newly developed phase detection autofocus (PDAF) that enables high-speed focusing and can also be used to shoot fast-moving subjects. The new PTZ is equipped with a variety of features that enable high-precision video production, including a new PTZ mechanism and hybrid image stabilization.

2. Realize next-generation video production with various shooting methods and functions.
The AW-UE160 is the first PTZ camera² to support the SMPTE ST2110³, an IP transmission standard for the broadcasting industry, and wireless transmission with a 5G mobile router (via USB tethering). It also supports return input⁵ and a rear tally lamp that can also be lit in yellow, which are essential for combined operation with system cameras. In addition, it is equipped with the cropping zoom function that can output multiple angle video with a single camera and 2x high-speed output (HD) from SDI/HDMI.

3. Ease of use and versatility reduces stress of shooting on-site.
Support for a variety of interfaces and protocols (SMPTE ST2110, Highbandwidth NDI® ⁶, NDI®|HX ⁶, SRT, FreeD, RTMP/RTMPS, etc.) reduces the burden of introducing the camera into existing systems. Even if output is performed from multiple video terminals at the same time, there is no restriction on video output, so simulcast operation in 4K is possible. Support for scene files, color matrix control and Panasonic's free software and Remote Operation Panel (ROP) for batch management of multiple cameras makes mixed operation with system cameras even easier. In addition, the waveform display function and the horizontal level gauge display function reduce the burden of setting up and adjusting the video.

Main Specifications

* This specification is under development and is subject to change at the time of release.
1 As of October 2022.
2 As of October 2022. According to our research.
3 To use the SMPTE ST2110 function, activation with the optional software key AW-SFU60, which is sold separately, is required.
4 When normal mode is selected, F11/2,000lx.
5 To build a system using the return video function, it is necessary to use the SMPTE ST2110 function.
6 NDI^® is a new protocol developed by NewTek, Inc. that supports IP video production workflow. NDI^® is a registered trademark of NewTek, Inc. in the United States and other countries. In this instance, NDI^® is used to indicate low latency with high bandwidth NDI^®, NDI^®|HX is used to indicate high efficiency low bandwidth NDI^®|HX.
7 Effective size
8 Conditions: F2.8, 59.94p, 50IRE, +42dB, without accumulation
9 SFP+ standard (Single Fiber). This unit does not support input by optical signals.
10 Compatible with recommended products only.
11 Excluding protrusions, direct ceiling mount bracket.
12 Excluding mount bracket.

-ENDS-

About the Panasonic Group
A global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, industry, communications, and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022, with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company and eight companies positioned under its umbrella. Founded in 1918, the Group is committed to enhancing the well-being of people and society and conducts its businesses based on founding principles applied to generate new value and offer sustainable solutions for today’s world. The Group reported consolidated net sales of 6,698.8 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2021. Devoted to improving the wellbeing of people, the Panasonic Group is united in providing superior products and services to help you Live Your Best. To learn more about the Panasonic Group, please visit: https://holdings.panasonic/global/

About Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa FZE (PMMAF):
Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa FZE (PMMAF) are the regional Headquarters, all functions related to Sales and Marketing, Supply chain and Customer service solutions, and Advertising functions under the brand name Panasonic are handled by PMMAF. The vision at PMMAF is to be the No 1 Customer-centric Company and No 1 Customer-preferred brand in the Middle East and Africa region. PMMAF website: http://www.panasonic.com