Control System; Sony Camera Command Network System; Master Set-Up Unit - Msu-700 - Sony BVP-900 Series Product Information Manual

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CONTROL SYSTEM

6-1. Sony Camera Command Network System

Several decades of TV operations have led to the development of
many alternative operational and engineering philosophies relating to
the deployment of video and technical control and to the monitoring
and routine maintenance of multi-camera studio and OB truck
installations. Sony has re-examined the whole of the studio camera
architecture with the goal of structuring a far higher degree of
system flexibility. This new architecture is based on:
* High-speed communication of digital control commands
* A considerably augmented Master Set-up Unit, the MSU-700
* The introduction of a powerful technical 'nerve center' concept -
the camera Command Network Units, CNU-700 and CNU-500
* Electronically assignable camera remote control panels for use
with these camera command network units

6-2. Master Set-up Unit - MSU-700

The Master Set-up Unit (MSU) is the centralized technical control
position for a multi-camera systems. The MSU-700 has been
designed to provide comprehensive and wide ranging technical
supervision and alignment of a complex camera system from a single
centralized panel. If it is desirable in a large program origination
complex to extend this supervision to more than one control location
(for example, separate operational and engineering/maintenance
control centers) then a number of MSU-700 units can access the
entire camera system. To exercise maximum flexibility in controlling
a multi-camera system, the MSU-700 is designed to work in
conjunction with the CNU-700 and CNU-500 Command Network
Units. However, if a simplified system is desired, the MSU-700 can
also operate as a stand-alone unit. It provides rapid, finger-tip access
to all controls relating to the smooth functioning of an operational
system, including:
* Technical alignment controls for the entire camera chain
* Picture and waveform monitor switching
* System configuration
* Control data filing
Extended Technical Access to Camera Video Processing -
A traditional high-end studio/OB camera chain entails a multiplicity
of technical adjustments. In combination they insure ensure both
optimization of the technical alignment of the RGB video processing
channels and allow a broad degree of control over certain critical
video subsystems (such as image enhancement, color reproduction,
dynamic range, etc.). Typically, these technical controls are
segregated into those requiring regular operational access - and are
provided as remote adjustments on video operational panels or
technical control panels - and others, perhaps requiring less frequent
access, which are relegated to screwdriver adjustments on various
circuit boards within the camera head and CCU. This separation
often entailed a degree of protracted (and frustrating) re-alignment
when subtle creative readjustments are desired for a particular
picture composition.
In the BVP-900 Series camera system, Sony has adopted the
philosophy that all technical controls are important and that remote
access to virtually all controls on a single control panel would bring
higher operational efficiency. This led to the introduction of the
MSU-700 Master Set-up Unit. To avoid undue complication of the
ergonomics of the panel layout that would result from such extensive
access, a novel Electro Luminescent (EL) sub-panel forms an integral
part of the overall MSU-700 control panel - Figure 6-1. This menu-
driven touch screen allows remote pre-programmed and logical
access to dozens of technical adjustments. Perhaps no other system
can better illustrate the enhanced degree of centralized control than
that relating to access to the many adjustments required for the
image enhancement system. Depending upon the creative desires of
the program director, the MSU-700 allows highly flexible, finger-tip
access to all critical adjustments, including skin detail control.
The main features of the MSU-700 are given below.
(a) Easy operation
* Frequently used functions are directly accessed from the panel.
* The following modes can be easily accessed by using the new EL
touch panel display for maintenance and daily operation.
* Paint mode: Various paint items such as White, Black and
Flare are adjustable
* File mode: Storing, retrieving and transferring reference
files, lens files and scene files between camera heads on a
PC memory card
* Maintenance mode: System phase control, CCU video
level alignment, selection of character display from a CNU-
700 and CNU-500, etc.
* Configuration mode: Entire control system configuration,
RCP assignment, etc.
* Card mode: PC memory card initialize, store to PC
memory card/recall from PC memory card, etc.
* Multi-mode: Setting of multi-camera operation such as 'All',
'Control Priority', 'Parallel Mode', etc.
(b) Multi-MSU operation
In a conventional system, a single MSU controls a single studio or
multiple studios. However, in this new control system, multiple
MSUs can be used to remotely control/supervise a single studio
from different operational engineering and control rooms.
(c) Standard switch
Users standard setting data is easily recalled by pressing the
'standard' switch.
Photo 6-1. MSU-700 Master Set-up Unit
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