Manhattan Center Expands Video Production Capacity with Ikegami HDK-97C Cameras

In the heart of midtown, Manhattan Center Productions (MCP) stands as one of New York Citys most versatile media production complexes. A recent influx of new long-term clients at the facility required MCP to significantly expand their production capacity, with ten new Ikegami HDK-97C Digital 3G Portable CMOS Camera Systems at the heart of the buildout.

MCP is in demand, with content producers requesting more studio time here, confirms Marvin Williams, Director of Video Engineering and Operations for MCP. This is an Ikegami house, and staying with Ikegami is the best choice for us. Were planning for the future by going with 3G for all of our new switchers and routers, and it was important to us moving forward that our cameras had the same capability.

The Ikegami HDK-97C is part of Ikegamis Unicam HD camera line, featuring multi-format HD cameras that also provide 3G-SDI performance. Employing three 2.5 mega-pixel 2/3-inch CMOS image sensors, the HDK-97C achieves superior quality HDTV video, and supports a number of native HDTV and 3G formats, including 1080p/59.94.

At MCP, cameras, crews, and control rooms are spread across the Manhattan Center complex that includes the purpose-built television studios TV1 and TV2, as well as the elegant former opera house the Hammerstein Ballroom and the spacious Grand Ballroom. With a wide range of HD video productions taking place daily, the performance and versatility of the Ikegami HDK-97C made them essential for MCPs expansion.

Our clients and camera operators agree that the HDK-97C makes a crisp, clean, beautiful picture, Williams says. Its extremely easy for us to place these new cameras on our facility-wide network, and put them into operation anywhere throughout the Manhattan Center. Theyre our backups as well - we can use them anywhere that the HDK-720s are in use, since theyll interface with those CCUs at the flip of a switch.

A docking-style camera, the HDK-97C features a 3G fiber-transmission system from the camera head to its CCU. There is also 3G transmission from the CCU to the camera, providing three channels of prompter/vanity monitor video, as well as, Return VF video selected from 4 return inputs. Either an FA (Fiber Adaptor) or TA (Triax Adaptor) can be mounted on the camera, and the CCU-970M can be fitted with built-in fiber and triax transmission, and a simple front panel toggle switch to select the transmission system depending on the cable type to be used for each application.

In addition, MCP is now taking advantage of Ikegamis 200-series network control panels. As a result, any camera chain can be controlled by any OCP-200 at any of the video control locations on the different floors in the building. Assignment of the OCP is selectable via its color touch screen.

From past experience, Williams and his team knew to expect the highest level of service for their new HDK-97C cameras. Ikegami support has always been great, notes Williams. If you make a phone call, theres always someone there to help. And if I send a component back for repairs, they take care of it right away, with no delay.

As MCP continues to win additional business, having Ikegami technology on hand is consistently an asset. People are always happy to see that you have Ikegami cameras on your equipment list, Marvin Williams says.

With event production always growing more competitive, Staging Techniques understands the edge that comes with having the right technology partners. Ikegami has always taken great care of us and their service and support is, in our experience the best in the industry by a very wide margin, Bryce Will says. When we do have a rare issue that needs attention they jump on it and help us. This sort of support is a huge benefit to us -- its one of the many reasons why Ikegami remains our camera supplier.

Ikegami Electronics (U.S.A.), Inc. is a leading supplier of professional broadcasting products in the Western Hemisphere. With US offices in New Jersey, California, Florida, Texas, and Illinois, the Ikegami name is recognized worldwide for its state-of-the-art television cameras and closed-circuit TV equipment. Ikegamis universal HDTV cameras have been widely accepted by the broadcast industry as it continues the transition to the High Definition Television Format.

For more information and the location of the Regional Office nearest you, call Ikegamis headquarters visit http://www.Ikegami.com.

Product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

About Manhattan Center:

Manhattan Center is located centrally in mid-town Manhattan at 311 West 34th Street, with prime access to all transportation and is comprised of the following:

Hammerstein Ballroom: with a concert capacity of 3,500,Hammerstein Ballroom combines a magnificent, century old former opera house with fully integrated 21st century media and entertainment production technology. One of New Yorks most elegant and versatile special event destinations, Hammerstein Ballroom is the venue of choice for corporate event planners, producers, and show promoters.

Grand Ballroom: with a concert capacity of 1,200, Grand Ballroom integrates elegance and grandeur with a state-of-the-art concert sound system. Located 7 floors directly above Hammerstein Ballroom, Grand Ballroomis a luxuriously appointed ballroom perfect for banquets, award shows, benefits, television productions, product launches, receptions, and fashion shows.

Recording Studios: Manhattan Center has operated two world-class recording studios since the early1990s. Studio 4 is affectionately called The Log Cabin by the many producers, engineers, composers, and musician who call it home. Studio 7 is a superb control room connected to Grand Ballroom, where countless orchestral film scores, classical recordings, and performances have been immortalized.

Television Studios: Television Studios

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