Basingstoke, UK; 20th April 2016: Sky News UK has today announced its investment in Sony’s XDCAM workflow, as the broadcaster future-proofs the newsgathering tools that support its rolling news service. Sky News invested in a full ecosystem of XDCAM products and solutions, including PXW-X400 shoulder camcorders, PXW-X200 handy camcorders and PXW-X70 palm camcorders, and PWS-100RX1 live streaming receivers.

The new XDCAM cameras and tools will be used across Sky News UK’s newsgathering function, allowing for speed, continuity, and seamless content transition from acquisition through to broadcast.
​ The move allows Sky News UK to integrate its cameras and accompanying equipment with the newsroom’s computer systems, enabling its newsgathering team to wirelessly stream live footage directly from cameras as they shoot. Underpinned by Sony’s unique Quality of Service application, this pioneering technology will accelerate Sky New UK’s production workflow, unlocking the speed, agility, and efficiency needed in the highly competitive world of modern broadcasting.
​ In combination with Sony’s future-proofed XAVC codec, this wireless Quality of Service capability will ensure reliable picture quality throughout Sky News UK’s transmissions.

The 4K-upgradeable PXW-X400 cameras will allow Sky to benefit from the rich workflow interoperability benefits of the XDCAM ​ codec family long into the future, whether using XAVC proxies or native HD footage. Equipped with the new HDVF-EL20 OLED viewfinder, the agile shoulder camera also benefits from optimised balance – specifically designed with ENG field operators in mind – providing the best overall ergonomic experience available on the market.

George Davies, Head of Operations at Sky News UK said: “Sky News is constantly looking to improve its news service and customer experience. Core to Sky News is the ability to increase speed to air with accurate information. IP is now an integral part of the news infrastructure and the cameras we are purchasing will allow a revolution in the workflow for Sky News in the field. The Sony cameras and network system will allow Sky News to have permanently connected cameras with bi-directional information to ensure we get the pictures back but also have metadata to ensure we know what they are and where they are from”.
​ “Sky News is working closely with Sony to develop this emerging technology in both hardware and software to ensure we continue to be at the cutting edge of news gathering and ensure our customers get the best possible pictures and stories from around the world”.

Ahmed Ghori Senior Account Manager at Sony Professional Europe, who managed the deal, commented: “Our team worked closely with Sky News to understand its newsgathering workflow needs and to demonstrate how our market leading XDCAM ecosystem provides the most powerful end-to-end production workflow. In helping to enable the necessary workflows and free newsgatherers from cumbersome equipment and processes, our live streaming capabilities are making ENG as dynamic as possible, helping to future-proof Sky’s News UK’s award winning operations.”