Panasonic Extends its Line-Up with an ST2110 Upgrade for the Entry-Level AK-HC3900 Studio Camera

Bracknell, UK. 8th June 2023 – Panasonic Connect Europe today announced an ST2110 upgrade for its entry-level Panasonic AK-HC3900 studio camera in Q3 of the calendar year using a paid-for AK-SFC391 activation code. The upgrade positions Panasonic as one of the only manufacturers with a complete IP-ready line-up from entry-level to high-end studio cameras, as well as its latest UE160 PTZ camera and the KAIROS IT/IP live video platform.

The software update for the AK-HC3900 studio camera helps to improve quality and efficiency at production sites. It reduces costs by eliminating the need for Camera Control Units (CCU) and enables broadcast-grade uncompressed transmission with ST2110.

With this update, the Panasonic AK-HC3900 HD studio camera can be connected to SMPTE ST2110-compliant broadcast equipment or network switch. This allows the AK-HC3900 to transmit broadcast-grade uncompressed HD video directly from the camera head over IP with very low latency, without the need for a CCU. It also supports IP return video (HD), reference signal (PTP), trunk signal output (HD), prompter input, and IP intercom audio input/output with the ST2110.

Furthermore, the AK-PLV100, which already supports uncompressed ST2110, will also receive a future firmware upgrade. This will enable SMPTE ST2110 output, including JPEG-XS compression as standard directly from the camera head, helping to facilitate live production operation and minimise the number of external devices.

The upgrade also allows the camera to connect directly^[1] to Panasonic KAIROS via IP enabling space-saving, highly efficient and flexible IP live production and distribution with a large number of cameras. When connected to the ST2110, a single KAIROS Core 100 mainframe can simultaneously connect up to 48 inputs and 32 outputs^[2], using a small mainframe 1U rack size. The CCU-less connection of the AK-HC3900 HD studio camera saves further space and reduces cabling for highly efficient operation, as well as significantly^[3] reducing power consumption compared to conventional systems.

Andre Meterian, Director of Professional Video Systems for Panasonic Connect Europe, said: “This latest upgrade capability further underlines Panasonic’s commitment to assist the industry in accelerating the transition to IP. Our complete range of IP-ready equipment helps to further improve efficiencies, flexibility and quality across broadcasting, live productions and streaming.”

_^[1]_{^{Directly supported by the camera head of the studio camera, rather than through the CCU to support the ST2110 connection. A separate SFP (small form factor pluggable) interface or power extender with conversion to Gigabit Ethernet or through a network switch is required. JPEG XS compatibility with KAIROS available at later date.}}
_^[2]_{^{For expansion: Use the I/O expansion option AT-SF002G. For more product information, please visit (}}_{^{https://connect.panasonic.com/jp-ja/products-services/proav_it-ip-platform/lineup/at-kc100t}}_^).
_^[3]_{^{Reduced by approximately 60% compared to conventional cameras. Comparison with conventional system configuration (using the AK-HC3900 studio camera and AK-UCU250 CCU).}}

Panasonic Extends its Line-Up with an ST2110 Upgrade for the Entry-Level AK-HC3900 Studio Camera

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