Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 8, 2006. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
With the LDK-8000, Thomson Grass Valley is presenting the latest generation of its HD cameras at the IBC. The new model offers 14-bit A/D sampling and 24 Bit Digital Signal Processing for all current HD formats. Support for 1080/50p and 60p has already been implemented as a future option, Grass Valley president Marc Valentin explained. He described the LDK-8000 as an ongoing program that, in addition to the immediately usable camera in its current form, also includes further development of the model, for example in signal processing, fibre connection and CMOS sensors – as soon as the latter become available in a quality that meets Grass Valley’s requirements.
The LDK-8000 builds on the familiar LDK-6000, but works with a new generation of the HD-DPM+ CCD unit, which – together with the improved signal processing – promises a brighter, clearer and sharper image. Nevertheless, its image characteristics are intended to resemble those of the LDK-6000 so that both models can be used together in productions.
In terms of connectivity, the LDK-8000, like today’s cameras, also relies on triax and fibre. According to Thomson, however, the development program also includes a new high-bandwidth fibre system that is intended to adapt IT technology in order to transport material via 10 Gigabit Ethernet in unrestricted image quality. Only then, the company argues, could the full potential of Fast Progressive Scanning and Advanced Super Slowmotion be exploited, which is physically impossible with today’s technology.
The entry price for the LDK-8000 is 95,000 euros. The camera is to be available in the fourth quarter of 2006.
