Mediaset Upgrades Camera Fleet with Grass Valley's LDX 135: A Move Towards IP, UHD, and XR

Mediaset Embraces the Future of Broadcast with Grass Valley's LDX 135 Cameras

Grass Valley, a renowned provider of live production solutions, has secured a framework agreement with Mediaset, Italy's largest commercial broadcaster, to replace its existing camera fleet with the cutting-edge LDX 135 cameras. This strategic move signifies Mediaset's commitment to embrace the latest advancements in broadcast technology, paving the way for a seamless transition to IP, UHD, HDR, and XR.

Mediaset, operating three primary television production centers in Milan and Rome, sought to upgrade its camera infrastructure with a fleet of 4K-native devices that seamlessly align with the SMPTE ST 2110 standard. The broadcaster opted for the LDX 135 cameras due to their exceptional technical capabilities, particularly the NativeIP feature, which empowers ST 2110 to directly stream output from the camera. The inclusion of the Creative Grading camera shading control panel and tablet application further enhances the LDX 135's versatility and user-friendliness.

This significant agreement has already witnessed the installation of 30 cameras within a single month, highlighting the rapid implementation and deployment of this technological upgrade. This swift installation process was facilitated by Grass Valley's unwavering commitment to ensuring a rapid turnaround in delivery from its manufacturing facility in Breda, Netherlands.

A Technological Leap Towards a Modernized Workflow

Mediaset's decision to invest in the LDX 135 cameras is driven by a clear vision to modernize its production workflows and embrace the future of broadcasting. Marco Di Concetto, director broadcasting production systems, Mediaset Group, emphasizes the importance of this upgrade, stating, "We wanted to replace our existing camera fleet with a high-quality camera natively equipped for modern workflows such as IP, UHD, HDR, virtual production and XR, and remote production. The LDX 135 fulfills all of these requirements and more, it represents a significant upgrade."

Exploring the Capabilities of the LDX 135 Camera

The LDX 135 camera is an integral part of the LDX 100 series, renowned for its NativeIP capabilities. It offers several key advantages, including:

Faster turnaround and configuration times: The LDX 135 streamlines production processes, enabling swift setup and configuration. This optimizes workflow efficiency and reduces downtime.
À la carte daily options: The camera offers customizable settings and configurations, allowing users to tailor the LDX 135 to specific production needs. This flexibility enhances creative control and optimizes resource utilization.
UHD with HDR: The LDX 135 delivers stunning Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution, coupled with High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities. This combination elevates image quality, enhancing visual clarity and capturing a wider range of colors and tones.
Enhanced sensitivity and image quality: The LDX 135 is equipped with three new Xenios imagers, delivering exceptional sensitivity and image quality. This enables wider dynamic range in HDR mode, resulting in improved signal-to-noise ratio, greater depth of field, and richer detail in every frame.
JPEG XS video compression: The LDX 135 incorporates the JPEG XS high-quality low-latency video compression option, further enhancing its capabilities. This innovative technology ensures minimal signal degradation, while maintaining low latency and optimal image quality, making it ideal for live productions and demanding workflows.

The Future of Broadcast: A Partnership for Success

Tim Banks, CRO at Grass Valley, expresses enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, "The framework agreement expands our existing partnership with Mediaset, and we are delighted to be working together to bring the LDX 135 to the Italian market for the first time. The new cameras, along with the creative grading camera control solution, will instantly enhance Mediaset’s image quality in their current HD SDR production format. Additionally, the cameras’ native UHD imagers with global shutter and NativeIP technology will streamline the transition to UHD HDR, facilitate the use of IP infrastructures, and support future adoption of XR."

A Collaborative Effort for Seamless Integration

The successful installation of the LDX 135 cameras is a result of a collaborative effort between Mediaset engineers and Video Progetti. Domo Broadcast Systems, a leading provider of radio frequency solutions, is supplying a wireless solution designed specifically for the LDX 135 RF, further enhancing the system's capabilities.

This strategic partnership between Mediaset and Grass Valley signifies a significant leap forward in the Italian broadcast landscape, embracing the latest technological advancements and paving the way for a more streamlined, efficient, and visually stunning broadcast experience. As Mediaset continues to leverage the power of the LDX 135 cameras, viewers can expect a transformative experience, witnessing the evolution of broadcast technology in action.

The LDX 135: A Catalyst for Innovation

The LDX 135 cameras are more than just a technological upgrade; they represent a catalyst for innovation, empowering Mediaset to explore new creative avenues and elevate its production capabilities. With the ability to seamlessly integrate into IP-based workflows, the LDX 135 cameras lay the groundwork for future-proof solutions, ensuring that Mediaset remains at the forefront of the evolving broadcast landscape. As the industry continues to embrace the advancements of UHD, HDR, and XR, the LDX 135 cameras are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of television production, delivering stunning visuals and immersive experiences to audiences worldwide.