Current HDR Drama Productions and Approaches to Parallel SDR/HDR Production Workflows

On December 1st of last year, NHK launched UHDTV broadcasting service, and we have been serious about producing some 4K/8K HDR content such as drama series, sports-related content as well as entertainment. Regarding drama series, each work has its own gamma curve matched to 3D Look-up table. On top of this, using the ?simultaneous conversion? method from 4K-HDR to 2K-SDR during the parallel HDR/SDR production produces optimal video levels and color balance. NHK?s first 4K-HDR annual historical drama series titled ?Idaten? also uses this method to simplify its production and editing workflows. Making full use of HDR production and parallel HDR/SDR production at the shooting location helps us achieve optimal video management and conversion methods. In addition, for entertainment-related programs, we are currently working on making ultra-high definition, wide-color gamut 4K/8K contents as well as parallel HDR/SDR content. In the parallel HDR/SDR production, video equipment settings and optimal workflows have been devised to achieve both accurate video level and colorimetry for 4K/8K HDR video and 2K SDR video. We are also proceeding with lighting verification workflows that combines both HDR and SDR through parallel production.

Kosuke Hara | NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) | Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan