Asahi Broadcasting Television Uses URSA Broadcast G2 Cameras to Capture Its Streaming Programming
Blackmagic Design today announced that Asahi Broadcasting Corporation is using Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 cameras, along with Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converters and ATEM Camera Control Panel, for its streaming programs.
Based in Osaka, Asahi Broadcasting Television is a key affiliate of the TV Asahi network and produces numerous popular programs, such as the hit comedy competition M-1 Grand Prix. The company also streams various content, including sports, and uses Blackmagic Design products for its streaming operations, such as the recent Kansai Big Six Baseball League tournament.
“Our decision to introduce equipment for streaming operations stemmed from the need for budget friendly options with satisfactory specifications compared to those used for regular broadcasts, which can be quite expensive,” said Masaya Nagano, section chief of the Production Engineering Department at Asahi Broadcasting Corporation.
Nagano continued: “We needed a camera that can transmit tally and return signals, as well as video signals which can be sent to a switcher and streamed, just like a system camera. URSA Broadcast G2 met all the requirements. For sports broadcasts requiring long transmission distances, we also introduced Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converters and Blackmagic Studio Fiber Converter.”
For long distance streaming, three URSA Broadcast G2s are each equipped with a Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converter for shooting. This setup enables power supply and transmission of various signals through a single optical fiber cable. Additionally, the ATEM Camera Control Panel is used in conjunction with an ATEM SDI Extreme ISO live production switcher for adjusting each camera.
“URSA Broadcast G2 also carries tally signals and camera remote control commands over coaxial cables, allowing for broadcasting in confined spaces without the need for the Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converters. This feature closely mirrors the operational process of regular TV broadcasts, which is convenient,” Nagano explained.
The URSA Broadcast G2 joins Asahi Broadcasting Corporation’s other Blackmagic Design products used as part of its streaming workflow. This includes portable rackmounted systems built around HyperDeck Studio HD Pro broadcast decks, Blackmagic Studio Fiber Converters and ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD live production switchers.
“Previously, we had to set up the system for each streaming job, as the cameras used for streaming varied depending on the job or time. However, we now have everything stored and operated in three racks, including the Blackmagic Studio Fiber Converter. While we use other switchers for operational reasons, we have also introduced the ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD for emergency use. Besides emergency situations, we use it to output multiview images in preferred combinations,” Nagano said.
“On a recent project using this system, we streamed the Kansai Big Six Baseball League tournament. We needed to get used to the difference from the equipment we had been using, but we successfully completed 20 days of streaming without any major issues,” Nagano concluded.
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