Sony Launches First Artificial Intelligence-Based Video Analytics Solution

Sony has announced its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) based Edge Analytics solution, the REA-C1000, which allows users to create video content in real time, without the need for professional training, additional staff or equipment.

The compact and lightweight REA-C1000 uses its advanced AI-based video analytics technology to analyze the input received from connecting cameras, automatically extract the object in focus and combine it with other images in real time on a GPU (Graphics Processor Unit). This unique technology uses motion/face detection and color/shape recognition, effectively making the REA-C1000 the powerful brain to any connecting camera and AV setup to create professional content in a cost-effective manner for education, government and corporate organizations, keeping audiences engaged.

“Video content has become a key method of communication in many organizations including education, government and corporate environments, and the demand for solutions that create high-quality content, offer a hassle-free shooting experience, and help distribute content quickly is rapidly increasing,” explained Lawrence Tang, Head of Business & Industrial Solutions Marketing Division, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “At Sony, we want to provide organizations on a limited budget with cost-effective, yet powerful solutions that allow them to easily create professional and engaging video content. The REA-C1000 is yet another example of Sony working with our AV partners to create solutions together that help solve the real-life technology and budget challenges of our customers.”

The REA-C1000, available from April 2019 onwards, comes with five optional features: handwriting extraction and presenter overlay, PTZ auto tracking, close-up by the gesture, chroma key-less CG overlay and focus area cropping.

Handwriting Extraction and Presenter Overlay: By optimizing parameters and processing the images received from the camera, the REA-C1000 can extract hand-written objects from black and whiteboards using Sony’s unique moving/still object detection algorithm. This allows audiences to clearly see written content and diagrams as well as the gestures and expressions of the presenter simultaneously.

PTZ Auto Tracking: Constantly stay in frame and in focus, the REA-C1000 can accurately and smoothly track a presenter throughout the presentation. This feature provides users with a tracking solution without having to invest in a camera operator.

Close-up by Gesture: The REA-C1000 can detect and react to the gestures of the audience, displaying the overview image and zoomed the image in real time. When an individual stands up, the REA-C1000 can trigger the camera to electronically auto-zoom into that person. This is particularly useful in education environments and incorporates presentation settings such as Q&A session.

Chroma key-less CG overlay (available later in 2019 via software update): Based on Sony’s motion detection technology, this function can extract the presenter and overlay them onto any background, without the need for dedicated backscreen or special training. Users can create appealing content easily to engage their audiences.

Focus Area Cropping (available later in 2019 via software update): Using this feature, image from one camera can be simultaneously shown as two different output images. The users can get an overview image in 4K and a cropped image in HD. The cropped area can be static or dynamic to follow the speaker’s movement.

After an initial 60 day free-of-charge trial period, the above features can be activated permanently through separate licenses, providing users with the freedom to customize features based on their individual needs and budget.

Leveraging Sony’s know-how in image quality and their heritage in camera development, the REA-C1000 supports 4K/HD input and output, and connects directly to Sony’s PTZ cameras – BRC series and SRG series – as well as its range of XDCAM camcorders, which boast outstanding image quality and are widely used within the broadcast industry. Further, thanks to its HDMI network connection, the REA-C1000 can be seamlessly integrated into various common AV setups involving either multiple displays, large screen projections with monitors, or even live-streaming projects.―CT Bureau