The 4K Update

First up in the world of 4K, Blackmagic announces a 3-4 week delay for their Production Camera, though it should still appear before the Sony FDR-AX1...maybe

Blackmagic Design Forum |  Grant Petty | Blackmagic Production Camera 4K Update
Hi,I just want to give you an update on the 4K camera.

As we mentioned a few weeks ago, we received the production sensors much later than we expected. When we built cameras from them we saw some big differences in the images between these production sensors vs the pre production samples we originally received. What this means is that we have been working over the last few weeks to replace a bunch of the software in the camera that handles the sensor calibration and image processing.

It's taking a bit longer than we expected to do this and we think its going to take about 3 to 4 weeks more to get those changes done and to get the QA process completed before we can start shipping.


Meanwhile, 4K is playing at your cinema (which may be the only place it's really needed)
Digital Trends | 4K is already playing at a theater near you, but you probably didn’t even notice
A simplified supply chain means huge savings for studios, which was used to spending upward of $2 billion a year to release its movies in film. That cost included the production and shipment of 4,000 to 5,000 copies to theaters (replacing them when they were defective), insurance in case any of them were lost and recycling to recover silver and other elements from the film.


Sony has a "cheaper" 4K projector coming, no price yet:
Engadget | Sony's next 4K projector will be merely expensive, not outrageous
Before you start re-arranging your theater room, though, the original VPL-VW1000ES cost a cool $25,000, so "cheaper" might be a relative term.


Sony also offers 4K movie service:
Deadline | Sony Introduces 4K Ultra HD Video Download Service
It begins with about 70 full length feature films from Sony Pictures Entertainment and “other notable production houses” — with the library expected expand to pass 100 by year end —  the company says. 


And here's a first review/look at the Sony FDR-AX1:
Reviewed.com | Sony 4K Handycam (FDR-AX1) First Impressions Review
One interesting detail has to do with the 4K Handycam's HDMI implementation. Since this camera was developed by Sony before the HDMI 2.0 standard was ratified, it can only output 4K/60p footage to Sony's Bravia 4K televisions. But, fear not, Sony has plans to issue a firmware update to the 4K Handycam down the road so it can play nicely with all the new HDMI 2.0 4K devices soon to hit the market.

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