ROUND TABLE
Experts weigh in on the cutting-edge trends in broadcast tech , revealing how they’re shaping storytelling and revolutionising the viewer experience
DEFINITION: How are advancements in camera and lens technology shaping the future of visual storytelling in broadcast and live production? Quentin Jorquera: Equipment quality keeps improving while costs are dropping, making high-end tools more accessible. Lighter encoding now offers better image quality and colour depth without slowing down production. The use of larger sensors is bringing a more cinematic feel to broadcast, while improved sensor and lens stabilisation systems are enhancing shot stability. We’re also seeing faster, more intelligent autofocus systems that maintain an organic feel, which is crucial for live production. Additionally, better- encoded lenses and more efficient workflows are making VFX integration and in-camera visual effects (ICVFX) smoother, allowing for more creative and seamless visual experiences. Peter Crithary: At the forefront of this is ARRI’s proprietary colour science, REVEAL, which provides more accurate colour rendition and stable colour fidelity across the exposure range, with lifelike skin tones and precise reproduction of highly saturated colours. A prime example of
shaping the future of visual storytelling is ARRI bringing the ALEXA 35 Live Multicam system to live entertainment. The system pushes the boundaries of dynamic range and light sensitivity. With over 17 stops (equivalent to a 102dB signal- to-noise ratio), it ensures exceptional image quality even in highly challenging lighting conditions. The system captures the bright highlights and deep shadows simultaneously without sacrificing detail. The video shader can focus entirely on crafting the image, rather than having to constantly compensate for dynamic range compression. The system will not clip the highlights – all while preserving the deepest shadow detail in the same frame, which is a typical scenario to deal with in live sporting events. Another key area shaping the future is HDR. The ALEXA 35 Live’s real-time HDR in HLG or PQ (Perceptual Quantizer) allows seamless integration in any SDR or HDR workflows. This delivers a more immersive visual experience, with high- contrast scenes handled effortlessly. Broadcasters benefit from accurate colour reproduction, pleasing skin tones and image consistency across diverse lighting scenarios. This makes it a game changer for live sports, concerts
and large-scale productions where team and sponsor colours must be reproduced accurately. In addition to integrating seamlessly into existing infrastructure, the ALEXA 35 Live is ready for SMPTE ST 2110, allowing uncompressed video, audio as well as metadata transport to flow into modern IP-based production environments. On the lenses side, innovations in purpose-built large format zoom lenses let directors capture wide shots and close-ups with ease, ensuring creative control without compromising image quality. The ARRI ALEXA 35 Live’s technological advancements elevate the standard for live broadcasting, making visual storytelling more lifelike and immersive. DEF: How do emerging technologies such as AI impact broadcast production, from camera operation to post-production? Craig Heffernan: Blackmagic Design’s approach to incorporating AI tech in production workflows has so far been focused on improving efficiencies by removing repetitive, mundane tasks to support the creativity of the user. Our focus for AI development has been on
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