Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Z-HD5500 Cameras from Hitachi Kokusai Help Boitnott Visual Communications Impress Discerning Live Event Clientele

21/10/2020

--

Boitnott Visual Communications (BVC), based in Virginia, provides turnkey design, staging and live production services for corporate meetings and special events across the United States. When the company upgraded its camera technology last year to meet increasing client expectations, they chose Z-HD5500 cameras from Hitachi Kokusai Electric America, Ltd. (Hitachi Kokusai) to deliver the visual quality gains and operational benefits they sought.

BVC serves clients ranging from small businesses to large Fortune 50 corporations and organizations such as the Richmond Forum, which hosts high-profile events featuring speakers including past U.S. presidents, sitting heads of state, and leaders from the sciences, arts, and business. The premium nature of many of its projects makes the quality of its productions extremely important.

Clients like the Richmond Forum are very particular about the quality of their events and related video productions, as they should be since their attendees are paying for the experience, said A. Keith Sturtevant, video department head at BVC. Another of our clients, a financial services company, is also well known as a technology leader, so they want top-notch quality for their live event video even if it's only for their own internal use.

With clients requesting higher visual quality, BVC began evaluating new camera options in mid-2019. The cameras we had been using were getting long in the tooth, explained Sturtevant. They were native 720p, and we were upscaling them to 1080i. We needed to get cameras that were technologically capable of directly supporting the higher resolution and better quality our clients were asking for, so we wanted to upgrade to 1080p.

Systems integrator Digital Video Group (DVG) pointed BVC towards Hitachi cameras, and the ability of the Z-HD5500's global shutter sensors to flawlessly shoot against LED backdrops proved compelling. We were using LED walls not only as a main source of IMAG display, but also for backgrounds, said Sturtevant. The Z-HD5500 was able to handle that setup, so the LED wall wouldn't play havoc in the background of the video.

Hitachi Kokusai is also a well-known player in the live event space with a great reputation, and you get a great camera with a lot of features for the price of that particular model. It became pretty much a no-brainer' at that point. BVC purchased three Z-HD5500s from DVG alongside upgraded flypacks that also feature a Ross Video main switcher; a Blackmagic Design secondary switcher for streaming; AJA distribution routers and recorders; and Behringer audio mixers. BVC typically deploys the Hitachi cameras and flypacks for larger live events with audiences ranging from 2000 to 5000 attendees, where the equipment powers large IMAG (image magnification) displays and recording for archival purposes.

The Z-HD5500s immediately delivered the quality boost that BVC was aiming for. The Hitachi cameras have performed wonderfully, said Sturtevant. They provide nice, clean, crisp, bright images and great color reproduction even with just the default settings, and regardless of which video walls we're shooting against. Sturtevant also noted that the Z-HD5500's SMPTE fiber connectivity has simplified setup compared to the multi-cable requirements of BVC's previous cameras. This combines with the cameras' ease of use to speed on-site setup. The new cameras have reduced our setup time, and we can now go into larger venues without cable length challenges, he explained.

As a service provider, BVC has also enjoyed an additional benefit of the Z-HD5500's technically-advanced appearance. The Hitachi cameras look great both inside and out, Sturtevant said. You can tell they're a true broadcast-grade camera just by looking at them, so when we roll in with them, people are impressed before we even turn them on. When asked to summarize his experience with the Z-HD5500s, Sturtevant was effusive. I'd tell people you need to get you some,' he praised. I have been nothing but happy with the Z-HD5500s since we acquired them.

The improved visual results have also been noticed by BVC's clients, which ultimately is the most important benefit. Our large clients were very excited to see us step up our game, and they are impressed with the picture quality compared to our old cameras, Sturtevant concluded.

###

About Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.

Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a company that manufactures broadcasting systems, security and surveillance systems, wireless communications and information systems. For more information on Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc., please visit the company s website at https://www.hitachi-kokusai.co.jp/global/en/index.html.

###
LINK: https://news.creativecow.net/story/901979...
See more stories from creativecow

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

07/10/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Media Operations from Ingest to Distribution

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...

08/09/2026

IBC2026: Haivision Integrates Chyron LIVE into its Workflow

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

08/09/2026

Mo-Sys completes reorganisation strengthens management te...

Mo-Sys, the world-leading developer of virtual production, camera robotics and image tracking technology, has completed a business restructuring, which has incl...

08/09/2026

Aicox and TAG Video Systems power monitoring and multivie...

New York, September 8, 2026 The TSAmediaHUB audiovisual contribution and distribution infrastructure developed by Telef nica's Audiovisual Services area re...

08/09/2026

Asharq migrates extended channel line-up to Pebble playou...

Expanded Riyadh operation brings Asharq and Thmanyah services together on a resilient on-premises Pebble platform. Pebble, the leading automation, content mana...

08/09/2026

Techex Extends its Lead in Software Defined Live Video at...

Techex, a pioneering leader in live video workflows, will showcase its broadest software feature set to date at IBC 2026 (Stand 2.B45), extending its lead in so...

08/09/2026

Grass Valley Advances Story-Centric Media Workflows for U...

Visitors to Grass Valley's booth at IBC2026 will be introduced to new Framelight X capabilities that connect content acquisition, management, editing and pu...

08/09/2026

BCNEXXT Showcases Latest Vipe Innovations at IBC2026 Rais...

BCNEXXT will showcase the latest evolution of Vipe at IBC2026 (Stand 2.B09), introducing a series of innovations designed to deliver higher-quality audience exp...

08/09/2026

Bitmovin and Ad Insertion Platform Power First Active Dep...

Bitmovin, a provider of video streaming solutions, has partnered with Ad Insertion Platform (AIP), a leading innovator in advanced ad insertion technologies, to...

08/09/2026

Brainstorm unveils major enhancements to its Suite 7 envi...

Brainstorm, a leading manufacturer of real-time graphics and augmented and virtual production, is announcing a major package of enhancements to its Suite 7 soft...

08/09/2026

Big Blue Marble Collaborates with TDF as Technology Partn...

Big Blue Marble is supporting TDF, French infrastructure and network operator, broadcasting Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and radio services, as a techno...

08/09/2026

nxtedition takes agentic AI from newswire to gallery at I...

Agents work inside a single production environment, from incoming wire copy to a live studio show...

08/09/2026

Ceeblue and Layercake Expand Strategic Integration to Lau...

Building on their strategic partnership, Ceeblue and Layercake make the unthinkable possible: scalable sub-second streaming over standard DRM, SSAI, and CDN wor...

08/09/2026

Brainstorm launches Engram a dedicated asset management t...

Brainstorm, a leading manufacturer of real-time graphics, augmented and virtual production, is completing the environment for fast-paced broadcast production wi...

08/09/2026

IBC 2026 - The new Synamedia - solving the business of vi...

A SaaS portfolio built to work together, helping operators grow audiences, monetise smarter and run leaner, on their own terms At IBC 2026 (stand 1.B49) Synam...

08/09/2026

Accedo Selected by PlayOn Sports to Enhance NFHS Network...

Accedo, global provider of video streaming software and services, has been selected by PlayOn Sports, a national leader in high school sports technology, to exp...

08/09/2026

AP brings new connectivity and workflow tech to global ne...

LiveU, the leader in live IP-video solutions, is enabling The Associated Press to take global newsgathering to the next stage with intelligent connectivity and ...

08/09/2026

Mediagenix Personalization Curates Sports Content Around...

Mediagenix, a global leader in smart content solutions to profitably connect the right content to the right audience, today announced the latest evolution of it...

08/09/2026

Appear X5 to enable flyaway contribution for DP World Tou...

Compact, power-efficient X Platform performance brings broadcast-grade reliability and ultra-low latency to space-constrained remote production (REMI) workflows...

08/09/2026

Zixi and Kiloview Partner to Deliver Broadcast-Grade IP V...

Zixi, the leader in live video delivery and workflow orchestration, and Kiloview, a leading provider of professional IP video encoding and decoding solutions, t...

08/09/2026

Quortex and NetActuate announce global agreement

Collaboration gives content owners scalable CDN capacity and broadcasters enhanced flexibility, including for C-band transition planning Quortex today announce...

08/09/2026

Orlando Magic, Gray Media Ink Full-Season Broadcast Deal

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

08/09/2026

Arvato Systems Brings TI Expertise to the Stage

Arvato Systems Brings TI Expertise to the Stage Panels, workshops, and real-world examples at the TI-SUMMIT 2026 Arvato Systems, a partner of the TI-SUMMIT 2...

08/09/2026

The internet\u2019s favourite cat comes to Apple\u00A0Arcade with Pusheen\u2019s Place - UPDATE - Posted on 08 September 2026

On October 1, Apple Arcade is rolling out a lineup of fun new games for players ...

07/09/2026

Get to Know This Fall and Winter's Filmmakers Through These 24 Sundance Institute-Supported Films

By Ramona Flume and Lucy Spicer There's a particular kind of magic that hap...

07/09/2026

HeadRush launch the FRFR Cab Series

Two new full-range, flat-response cabinets introduced HeadRush have recently introduced a pair of new full-range, flat-response cabinets designed for player...

07/09/2026

GameSoundCon 2026

Answering questions about AI in game audio GameSoundCon, the largest professional conference for video game music and sound design, have announced that they...

07/09/2026

DPA to launch the 6388 Core+

New directional headset mic on show at IBC Just ahead of this week's IBC show, DPA have announced the launch of a new directional headset that's bee...

07/09/2026

Accurate.Video rallies Iyuno to rework 35,000 media assets ahead of schedule

We are not building systems to replace human decision-making; we are building systems that execute our decisions at machine speed. The media companies that win ...

07/09/2026

Blackmagic Design Announces New Lower Price for Blackmagic PYXIS 6K and Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K

Blackmagic Design Announces New Lower Price for Blackmagic PYXIS 6K and Blackmag...

07/09/2026

GB Labs to Unveil Core.ONE at IBC2026, an Intelligent Storage Platform for Media Teams

GB Labs to Unveil Core.ONE at IBC2026, an Intelligent Storage Platform for Media...

07/09/2026

Freddie Meredith joins cast of SNL UK ahead of start of Season 2

Monday 7 September 2026 Freddie Meredith joins cast of SNL UK ahead of start of Season 2 Freddie Meredith Images ZIP (3MB) Saturday Night Live UK announces ...

07/09/2026

Sky and NFTS team up to launch new routes into screen careers

Monday 7 September 2026 Sky and NFTS team up to launch new routes into screen careers Sky has today announced a new apprenticeship programme, with application...

07/09/2026

Sky Sports announces most comprehensive NFL coverage to date for the 2026/27 season

Monday 7 September 2026 Sky Sports announces most comprehensive NFL coverage to...

07/09/2026

Jnger Audio Showcases Industry-First S-ADM Cloud Workflow at IBC 2026

Dolby, MainConcept, Techex and J nger Audio will showcase the industry's first demonstration of Serial Audio Definition Model (S-ADM) in a cloud-based produ...

07/09/2026

dB Broadcast to Showcase APIS Hive at IBC 2026

dB Broadcast will showcase APIS Hive, its software platform for designing, deploying and managing modern broadcast infrastructures, at IBC 2026. Developed from...

07/09/2026

A KNOCKOUT 1.6 MILLION VIEWERS WATCHED KATIE TAYLOR'S FINAL BOUT FREE -TO -AIR ON RT2

552,000 streams on RT Player The historic fight, which saw Katie Taylor become...

06/09/2026

BS-203 MacroAcidizer from Born Second

Recreates Rolands TB-303 & MC-202 BS-203 MacroAcidizer is the first virtual instrument from Born Second, and it offers a recreation of two Roland classics -...

06/09/2026

PlayBox Technology Opens Design Partner Programme for New...

London, UK September 2026 PlayBox Technology is inviting broadcasters, OTT and FAST operators, content owners and media organisations worldwide to become De...

06/09/2026

Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Germany with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...

05/09/2026

HEDD Audio update CTRL software

MK2 & Bass system control app improved HEDD Audio have just launched a new and improved version of the control software that pairs with their MK2 and Bass m...

05/09/2026

CALL FOR ENTRIES IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 20TH ANNUAL SOUTH AFRICAN FILM & TELEVISION AWARDS (SAFTAs20) EXTENDED

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...

05/09/2026

Orlando Magic, Gray Media Ink Ful-Season Broadcast Deal

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

05/09/2026

YouTube TV Adds ESPN Unlimited

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

05/09/2026

InSync Brings Conversion Workflow Flexibility to IBC 2026

InSync Technology, the leading provider of premium video conversion solutions, will showcase a new generation of products at IBC 2026, designed to help broadcas...

05/09/2026

GlobalM supports quattro media and World Rowing with Glob...

GlobalM successfully supported quattro media GmbH and World Rowing, the world governing body of the Olympic sport of Rowing, with the international distribution...

05/09/2026

Scripps Research professor Chi-Huey Wong to receive ACS Alfred Bader Award

LA JOLLA, CA-In recognition of his exceptional work to understand the chemistry of carbohydrates and the role they play in health and disease, Scripps Family Ch...

04/09/2026

Business Innovation Synergizer FAQ: What applicants need to know

Media organisations interested in the Media Innovation Europe 3.0 Business Innovation Synergizer (BIS) can now consult a new FAQ document providing additional a...

04/09/2026

IBC 2026: Eluvio Showcases Global Broadcast Fabric Updates

Eluvio will demonstrate updates to its Content Fabric platform at IBC2026 (Hall 8, Stand 8.MS5, and Future Tech Zone, Hall 14, Stand 14.A58, September 11-14). C...