LAS VEGAS, NV — Before the doors opened at NAB Show 2025, Just Now News was given exclusive access to the Sony booth (N439) for a media-only tour. The walkthrough was led by Deon LeCointe, Director of Networked Solutions, alongside Jason Metcalfe, Senior Business Manager.
What we saw wasn’t just a tech showcase. It was a real-time, fully connected ecosystem that’s shaping the future of broadcast, cinema, cloud, and virtual production.
Inside the Booth: Designed for Real-World Production
Sony’s 2025 presentation focused on five key areas:
Live Production, Post Workflows, Imaging Solutions, Cloud Integration, and Virtual Production.
Each station was active and hands-on. From camera feeds to cloud collaboration, Sony showed how its technology connects every step of the content creation journey.
HawkNEST System: Fast Replay and Asset Control
A major highlight was a live demo of Sony’s HawkNEST system, guided by Deon LeCointe. This powerful platform combines ISO recording, live replay, and asset management for broadcast and sports environments.
Key features include:
- An updated Control Console
- New Channel Navigator tools
- Seamless integration with HawkREPLAY and Sony HDC cameras
HawkNEST simplifies multi-camera operations, allowing operators to manage 4K HFR and UHD pan-and-scan replays with precision. It’s also cloud-ready, making it ideal for hybrid workflows.
PDT System: Faster, More Reliable Wireless Data
Sony’s new Portable Data Transmission (PDT) system was built for low-latency, high-speed field communication. Its standout feature? A new antenna design that boosts performance across LTE, 5G Sub-6, and 5G mmWave bands.
Performance boosts include:
- Up to 10% wider high-speed coverage
- Up to 30% faster data transfer
- Stronger performance in remote or high-interference areas
The PDT system helps production teams move content faster — whether they’re on a breaking news scene or a remote film shoot.
HDC-F5500V and HDC-P50A: Built for Live Broadcast
Sony debuted the HDC-F5500V, a Super 35mm 4K system camera with Variable ND, global shutter, and a PL lens mount. It supports HDR and SDR workflows and is optimized for both studio and field use.
Alongside it, the compact HDC-P50A POV camera delivers:
- 4K global shutter imaging
- 8x HD and 4x 4K output
- Direct IP output and CCU integration
- Remote management via the CNA-2 Adapter
Both cameras are tailored for live events, sports, and broadcast setups demanding fast, high-quality delivery.
Smarter PTZ and Monitoring Tools
The BRC-AM7 4K PTZ camera now features AI-powered tracking, multi-subject framing, and face registration. It also connects with Sony’s Camera Remote Toolkit for remote operations.
On the display side, the BVM-HX1710 monitor impressed with:
- 3,000-nit peak luminance
- Side-by-side 4K/HD comparisons
- Shared calibration profiles with the HX3110
- Support for closed captioning via 3G-SDI
These tools bring better visibility and smarter operation to live productions of any size.
Switching, Security, and IP Integration
MLS-X1, Sony’s live production switcher, now runs on version 2.3 firmware. It introduces Conditional Action Macros, which let teams automate transitions based on system triggers.
Meanwhile, M2L-X and M2 Live platforms were shown running on commercial off-the-shelf hardware and in the cloud. Both support third-party audio integration, offering true flexibility.
Nevion’s Virtuoso and VideoIPath platforms demonstrated:
- HEVC low-latency streaming
- AES256 encryption
- Full 5G and multi-cloud orchestration
This is live control for a world where broadcast and cloud must work together.
Ci Media Cloud: End-to-End Collaboration
Sony’s Ci Media Cloud has become a critical tool for remote editors and post teams. It now supports:
- Nearly every camera RAW format
- Full DaVinci Resolve integration
- Direct-to-cloud uploads from FX3, FX30, and Alpha 7S III
Users can now edit, relink, render, and deliver without ever leaving their NLE.
Imaging and Cinema Tools Made for Action
The VENICE Extension System Mini shrinks the original setup by 70%. It enables stereoscopic shooting and is ideal for spatial content and tight VFX environments.
Sony’s BURANO full-frame camera also received a major update. New features include:
- 240 fps capture in Super 35 mode
- SDI video output
- Enhanced OSD and exposure tools
- Better autofocus and multi-cam integration
In addition, the PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 handhelds now include AI subject tracking, network support, and future updates for XAVC MXF recording.
Virtual Production: No Markers, No Limits
At the heart of Sony’s virtual production section was OCELLUS (ASR-CT1) — a markerless, camera-agnostic tracking system. It uses video-based feature tracking to follow movement indoors and out.
OCELLUS works with Sony’s Virtual Production Tool Set, now upgraded with:
- Moiré alert detection
- Crystal LED color correction
- Ray-traced high-frame-rate rendering
This setup is perfect for teams building immersive environments for film, news, or sports.
Sony at NAB Show 2025: Tools That Work the Way Creators Do
Sony’s booth wasn’t about future promises. Everything on display was real, active, and production-ready. Whether it was PTZ automation, IP switchers, cloud editors, or markerless tracking, every piece fit into a system that’s already changing how teams work.
At NAB Show 2025, Sony showed exactly why they remain the heartbeat of professional production Just Now News.
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