Korean cable network SBS Medianet has expanded its production capabilities with the acquisition of Ikegami UHK-X700 4K cameras for live event coverage, including a major golf tournament. In 2024, the broadcaster purchased a total of 32 UHK-X700 camera chains, selecting them for their high-quality video output and adaptability to demanding outdoor broadcast conditions.

The deal was facilitated by Dong Hwa AV, Ikegami’s Korean distributor, which has a long history of providing broadcast systems and support.

SBS Medianet, based in the Mapo-gu district of western Seoul, has been operational since 1999. A subsidiary of the SBS Media Group, the network operates seven channels and broadcasts a wide range of programs across genres such as entertainment, music, sports, and lifestyle. Its broad content portfolio has played a key role in shaping the Korean entertainment landscape.

The UHK-X700 cameras, capable of capturing content in 4K-UHD, 1080p, or 1080i resolution, offer flexibility in both standard dynamic range (SDR) and high dynamic range (HDR), as well as in standard and wide color gamuts. This multi-format versatility makes the UHK-X700 suitable for a variety of broadcast workflows, from live sports coverage to high-budget productions that require long-term content preservation in full 4K-UHD.

Designed for both studio and outdoor use, the UHK-X700 features three 2/3-inch CMOS 4K sensors with a global shutter, which eliminates issues such as rolling-shutter distortion and flash-banding, often seen with other cameras. This feature is crucial for high-speed sports and fast-moving events. The cameras also have a low center of gravity, ensuring stability and ease of operation whether mounted on a pedestal, tripod, or used on a shoulder rig.

At the heart of the UHK-X700’s performance is an ASIC chip, which integrates a range of advanced video processing functions into a compact unit. For high-motion events, the cameras can shoot at up to 2x speed in 4K or 8x speed in HD when used with the optional BSX-100 base station. This high frame rate capability is particularly useful for capturing fast-moving action in sports or stage events.

The UHK-X700 camera, when paired with the BSX-100 base station, can be operated at distances of up to 3 km from the camera head, including power delivery. The system supports simultaneous output in HD SDR and UHD HDR video formats, even with mixed sources. Additionally, the cameras can output 4K-UHD video via 12G-SDI, enabling integration with wireless systems for more flexible deployment.

SBS Medianet has a long history of using Ikegami products, with the broadcaster citing the brand’s reliability, durability, and strong technical support as key factors in their decision to invest in the UHK-X700 cameras. Ikegami’s reputation for delivering high-performance equipment with seamless compatibility across systems has made it a preferred choice for many Korean broadcasters.

The addition of the UHK-X700 to SBS Medianet’s production lineup further underscores the broadcaster’s commitment to maintaining high production standards, particularly in the fast-paced and high-stakes environment of live sports broadcasting.