Sony unveiled the second generation of its Optical Disc Archive System, which adopts a new, high-capacity optical media developed jointly by Sony and Panasonic. This newest media, rated with a 100-year shelf life, doubles the capacity of a single cartridge to 3.3 TB. Generation 2 of Optical Disc Archive System also introduces an 8-channel optical drive unit, doubling read/write speeds over the previous generation, accommodating 4K video in real time and meeting the users’ increasing data storage needs.

Sachtler has upgraded their popular Video 18 fluid tripod head. The new Video 18 S2 can now handle a greater load bearing capacity of up to 20 kg, which is 4 kg more than the current Video 18 S1. This also brings it much closer in load bearing to the larger Video 20 S1 (that can take a load up to 25 kgs), but without having the larger head size. Sachtler claims that with this improvement, the Video 18 S2 is now the only head in its class that can operate at -40 to +60 degrees centigrade without any impact on its smooth operation.

Optical Devices Division of FUJIFILM North America introduced the FUJINON UA13x4.5 wide angle Ultra HD (UHD) lens. Part of the company’s flagship UA Series of 4K+ 2/3” lenses, the world’s first designed specifically for UHD broadcast applications, the UA13x delivers true 4K optical quality to 2/3-inch 4K ENG cameras and camcorders.

Panasonic have announced a new UX series of professional 4K camcorders, successor to the company’s AVCCAM series of professional AVCHD camcorders. Two models are currently under development and scheduled for release in the fall of 2016: the UX Premium Model AG-UX180, with a 1-inch (effective size) MOS sensor, optical 20x zoom and UHD 60p recording capability; and the UX Standard Model AG-UX90, featuring a 1-inch (effective size) MOS sensor, optical 15x zoom and UHD 30p recording.

Sony’s newest camera system combines 4K resolution with enhanced high frame rate capabilities — 8x at 4K, and up to 16x in full HD. This power is combined with dynamic center cut-out and zoom capabilities for live sports and event production.

Lectrosonics is pleased to introduce SRc and SRc5P Digital Hybrid Wireless dual-channel diversity "slot" receivers with Smart Tuning and SuperSlot™ compatibility, designed for top performance in tough RF environments, making them ideally suited for field production and other applications challenged by rough conditions.

According to EVS, both NEP Germany and NEP Belgium have recently acquired five XT3 live production servers. All of the servers come with EVS’ new Channel Max configuration and allow the companies to extend each server to 12 channels or more.

At NAB 2016 Sony have announced new firmware upgrades for some of their handycams.

ATEME’s TITAN File video transcoder now supports Apple ProRes decode and encode in all profiles, including Apple ProRes 4444 XQ. TITAN File is also capable of generating QuickTime MOV files for encapsulation. This feature can be implemented in a wide variety of workflows like editing, archive, or mezzanine delivery, for example – including the most demanding ones involving high dynamic range (HDR).

Video Devices will preview a new recording capability for the popular PIX-E Series of 4K-compatible recording monitors at the 2016 NAB Show. Video Devices will showcase the PIX-E Series of recording monitors with a preview of two new features—the addition of the H.264 codec and the capability of simultaneously recording a high-quality, edit-ready Apple ProRes file and a much smaller size H.264 MP4 file.