Guangdong Radio and Television (GRT) is one of the largest Cantonese television networks in the world and one of China’s oldest media organisations. Owned by the Guangdong provincial government and headquartered in Guangzhou, the network provides a variety of content including news, sports, public affairs, children’s programming and more. This year, GRT began a network-wide upgrade to deliver broadcasts in 4K HDR 50p, adopting two AJA FS-HDR frame sync and HDR/WCG converters for a smooth transition.
“Prior to upgrading we compared different HDR converter options, and quickly realized that AJA’s HDR conversion technology is the most advanced on the market. Not only is AJA the industry leader in HDR conversion, but the price-to-performance ratio of the FS-HDR is also impressive,” said Zhai, Production Department Technical Maintenance Division Manager, Guangdong Radio and Television.
FS-HDR is a 1RU, rack-mount universal converter/frame synchroniser for real time HDR transforms and 4K/HD up/down/cross conversions. Its versatility allows GRT to use FS-HDR in a variety of workflows, from live production in the studio or the OB van, to post-production. Working with a range of inputs from recorders, switchers, files and multiple camera signals, GRT has found that FS-HDR can readily handle any workflow need. Using FS-HDR’s single-channel mode enables up, down and cross-conversion, including real time down conversion of 4K/UltraHD HDR to HD HDR or SDR; while its four-channel mode allows users to simultaneously apply up to four HDR and SDR transforms to an incoming 2K/HD signal for output, or apply transforms to four separate 2K/HD incoming signals for simultaneous output.
“We appreciate that FS-HDR is easy to configure; set up and software updates are simple,” said Zhai. “In addition, the front control panel is user friendly. We don’t have to connect to an additional laptop for setup or adjust the menu, which is a nice benefit when we’re on the go. We’ve also been impressed with AJA’s level of customer support; they give us a lot of feedback, try to understand our needs and respond accordingly rather than provide a blanket approach.”
AJA Video Systems announced v2.6 firmware/software for the FS-HDR real time HDR/WCG Converter with Colorfront Engine video processing. The free update includes new colour transformation enhancements that give broadcast, production, post and ProAV professionals more flexibility to accomplish new workflows and achieve a consistent, final look when working with a range of 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD, SDR and HDR formats.
FS-HDR v2.6 includes:
Colorfront Engine support for new HDR output transforms:
- S-Log3/BT.2020 Output Dynamic Range and Gamut
- ARRI Log C Output Dynamic Range and Gamut
Updated BBC v1.2 HLG LUTs:
- SDR Scene Referred (SR) to HLG
- SDR Display Referred (DR) to HLG
- PQ 1000 nit to HLG
- S-Log3 100 percent to HLG
- S-Log3 200 percent (SR-Live) to HLG
- HLG to SDR Display Referred (DR)
- HLG to PQ 1000 nit
New BBC v1.2 HLG LUTs:
- SDR SR up-conversion to HLG
- SDR DR up-conversion to HLG
- PQ 4000 nit to HLG
- HLG to SDR SR
LUT Uploads: Upload and store multiple custom 3D CUBE LUTs to FS-HDR using the web GUI, and use presets to recall. Use custom LUTs with the FS-HDR toolset to provide consistent looks with real time workflows.
Ganged Operation of Colorfront Engine parameters with the AJA FS-HDR Control Link app: Use the free FS-HDR Control Link application to gang multiple FS-HDRs on the same network, including four FS-HDRs for 8K workflows. Easily make Colorfront Engine adjustments by implementing parameter changes to one unit that simultaneously apply to all ganged units using FS-HDR’s applications GUI or a Tangent Element kB 12 knob panel.
FS-HDR v2.6 firmware will be available this fall as a free download from AJA’s support page.
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