Bakersfield, CA, April 2, 2024: ASM Global, one of the world’s largest providers of live event resources, has chosen Ikegami HDK-99 cameras for use at the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California. Home to the American Hockey League’s Bakersfield Condors, the 10,225-seat arena is supplemented by a 3,000 seat theater and 100,000 square foot convention center. It is the city’s premier venue for live entertainment including sporting events, family shows and music concerts.
“We have been working very successfully with Ikegami cameras for our productions since the arena opened more than 25 years ago,” comments John Lees, Operations Manager at ASM Global Bakersfield. “This new investment is in three HDK-99 production chains including lenses and viewfinders. High signal quality, portability and creative versatility were key requirements. The HDK-99’s ability to capture content in high dynamic range is particularly useful as it gives us the freedom to offer the spectacular realism of HDR when the media industry is fully ready to adopt it. The cameras’ rugged construction allows them to be configured for pedestal-mounted or tripod-mounted studio operation to provide the stability necessary when using long-range telescopic lenses, or used shoulder-mounted for maximum portability. Ikegami’s Quick EZ Focus Assist is particularly useful as it allows the camera operator to make critical focus adjustments when shooting fast-moving sports or stage activity.”
Ikegami HDK-99 cameras incorporate three 2.6 megapixel CMOS image sensors delivering high picture quality in HDR at 1920 x 1080 resolution with progressive-scan. Processed 4K can be sourced from the camera control unit. HLG mode maintains the high contrast required for HDR and conforms to the ITU-R BT.2100 international standard. Noise is less than -62 dB and sensitivity is F11.
The HDK-99’s sensors natively support 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50, 720p/59.94, 720p/50, 1080p/29.97, 1080p/25 and 1080p/23.98. Also supported are 1080p/59.94, 1080p/50, 1080i/119.88, and 1080i/100 3G HDTV formats. A lens aberration correction function minimizes resolution loss and colored edging caused mainly by optical lens deviation. Area size, area color, edge color and display time on the viewfinder are all adjustable from the camera menu.
Ikegami is a leading supplier of high-quality professional broadcast equipment. The Ikegami name is recognized globally for state-of-the-art television cameras, medical cameras and CCTV equipment. World-class CMOS imagery, 4K and 8K technology, multi-format flexibility and unparalleled customer support define the Ikegami experience for users in broadcast, sports venues, mobile production, houses of worship, education, corporate and many more applications.
Mechanics Bank Arena (www.mechanicsbankarena.com) is a multi-purpose arena built in 1998 and was originally known as Centennial Garden. Bay Area-based Mechanics Bank has held the naming rights since September 2019 following its merger with Rabobank NA which had held the naming rights since 2005. The venue is part of ASM Global (www.asmglobal.com) which boasts the largest convention center and meeting space portfolio in the world, hosting thousands of conventions, trade shows and business events around the globe.
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