NEC always has something interesting in codecs and was showing two new developments. The first was a new version of its 1U hardware codec system, which now has a dual PSU for higher reliability. The other highlight was the VC-971 and VD-971 encoder and decoder which form an ‘ultra low delay’ contribution system. The encoding system supports HEVC encoding of 2160P content at up to 100Mbps in 99 ms, while 1080P takes 20ms. The units are in mass production now.
NEC also has a media gateway system for SDI to IP (or the other way) that uses a special chassis that can support special cards and there are 14 slots.
NEC’s Ultra-low latency HEVC Codec can encode 2160p in 99ms. Image:Meko
NHK was in the Future Zone showing its latest developments in 8K Super-Hivision. It was showing the Intopix Tico technology being used to allow the use of a single 12G SDI interface to be used for 8K. The company was also showing the four 55″ OLED display that has previously been shown. NHK is interested in developing 8K at up to 120Hz as higher frame rates are needed as spatial resolution goes up. At the back of the booth was an interesting demonstration of a flexible transparent 8″ OLED that is being developed in Japan. The group has a new structure that is claimed to make the OLED less susceptible to damage from the air. The panel is being developed with Nippon Shokubai and has 100ppi which would mean a 100″ or thereabouts 8K display.
NHK is developing a new flexible OLED structure.
NHK’s flexible OLED sample – Image:Meko
Panasonic had nothing new on the monitor or display side although there was plenty of camera and other broadcast news. The company told us that one of the first projects using its LinkRay – data via the modulation of an LED backlight – has now been implemented. Users of a train to Haneda airport in Tokyo can now use the system to get a link to access English language directions for the rail system. The company also told us that it is developing a solutions centre in Wiesbaden to work alongside the existing centre in Bracknell.
